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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/birdguidepart2la02reed 


PREPARING  BREAKFAST 

(Two  adult  Chipping  Sparrows  breaking  worm  into  pieces  to  feed  young.) 


BIRD  GUIDE 

Part  2 

LAND  BIRDS  EAST  OF  THE  ROCKIES 

FROM  PARROTS  TO  BLUEBIRDS 

BY 

CHESTER  A.  REED 

Author  of 

North  American  Birds’  Eggs,  and,  with  Frank  M.  Chapman,  of  Color  Key  to  North 
American  Birds.  Curator  in  Ornithology,  Worcester  Natural  History  Society. 


1912 

CHAS.  K.  REED.  Worcester.  Mass 


Copyrighted,  1906,  1909  by  CHAS.  K.  REED. 


Engraved  and  printed  by  Quadri-Color  Co.,  N.  Y. 


PREFACE. 


The  native  birds  are  one  of  our  nation’s  most  val- 
uable assets.  Destroy  them,  and  in  a comparatively 
few  years  the  insects  will  have  multiplied  to  such  an 
extent  that  trees  will  be  denuded  of  their  foliage, 
plants  will  cease  to  thrive  and  crops  cannot  be 
raised.  This  is  not  fancy  but  plain  facts.  Look  at 
the  little  Chickadee  on  the  side  of  this  page.  She 
was  photographed  while  entering  a bird  box,  with 
about  twenty-five  plant  lice  to  feed  her  seven  young ; 
about  two  hundred  times  a day,  either  she  or  her 
mate,  made  trips  with  similar  loads  to  feed  the 
growing  youngsters. 

It  has  been  found,  by  observation  and  dissection, 
that  a Cuckoo  consumes  daily  from  50  to  400  cater- 
pillars or  their  equivalent,  while  a Chickadee  will 
eat  from  200  to  500  insects,  or  up  to  4000  insect  or 
worm  eggs.  100  insects  a day  is  a conservative  esti- 
mate of  the  quantity  consumed  by  each  individual 


5 


insectivorous  bird.  By  carefully  estimating*  the  birds  in  several  areas,  I find  that, 
in  Massachusetts,  there  are  not  less  than  five  insect-eating  birds  per  acre.  Thus 
this  state  with  its  8000  square  miles  has  a useful  bird  population  of  not  less  than 
25,600,000,  which,  for  each  day’s  fare,  requires  the  enormous  total  of  2,560,000.000 
insects.  That  such  figures  can  be  expressed  in  terms  better  understood,  it  has 
been  computed  that  about  120,000  average  insects  fill  a bushel  measure.  This 
means  that  the  daily  consumption,  of  chiefly  obnoxious  insects,  in  Massachusetts 
is  21,000  bushels.  This  estimate  is  good  for  about  five  months  in  the  year,  May  to 
September,  inclusive ; during  the  remainder  of  the  year,  the  insects,  eggs  and 
larvae  destroyed  by  our  Winter,  late  Fall  and  early  Spring  migrants  will  be 
equivalent  to  nearly  half  this  quantity. 

It  is  the  duty,  and  should  be  the  pleasure,  of  every  citizen  to  do  all  in  his  or 
her  power  to  protect  these  valuable  creatures,  and  to  encourage  them  to  remain 
about  our  homes.  The  author  believes  that  the  best  means  of  protection  is  the 
disseminating  of  knowledge  concerning  them,  and  the  creating  of  an  interest  in 
their  habits  and  modes  of  life.  With  that  object  in  view,  this  little  book  is  pre- 
pared. May  it  serve  its  purpose  and  help  those  already  interested  in  the  subject, 
and  may  it  be  the  medium  for  starting  many  others  on  the  road  to  knowledge  of 
our  wild,  feathered  friends. 

Worcester,  Mass.,  CHESTER  A.  REED. 

October  1st,  1905. 


6 


INTRODUCTION. 


It  is  an  undisputed  fact  that  a great  many  of  our  birds  are  becoming  more 
scarce  each  year,  while  a few  are,  even  now,  on  the  verge  of  extinction.  The  de- 
crease in  numbers  of  a few  species  may  be  attributed  chiefly  to  the  elements,  such 
as  a long  continued  period  of  cold  weather  or  ice  storms  in  the  winter,  and  rainy 
weather  during  the  nesting  season  ; however,  in  one  way  or  another,  and  often 
unwittingly,  man  is  chiefly  responsible  for  the  diminution  in  numbers.  If  I were 
to  name  the  forces  that  work  against  fhe  increase  of  bird  life,  in  order  of  their 
importance,  I should  give  them  as: — Man;  the  elements;  accidents;  cats;  other 
animals  ; birds  of  prey ; and  snakes.  I do  not  fake  into  consideration  the  death  of 
birds  from  natural  causes,  such  as  old  age  and  disease,  for  these  should  be  coun- 
terbalanced by  the  natural  increase. 

There  are  parts  that  each  one  of  us  can  play  in  lessening  the  unnatural  dan- 
gers that  lurk  along  a bird’s  path  in  life.  Individually,  our  efforts  may  amount 
to  but  little,  perhaps  the  saving  of  the  lives  of  two  or  three,  or  more,  birds  during 
the  year,  but  collectively,  our  efforts  will  soon  be  felt  in  the  bird-world. 

How  Can  We  Protect  the  Birds? — Nearly  all  states  have  fairly  good  game 
laws,  which,  if  they  could  be  enforced,  would  properly  protect  our  birds  from  man, 
but  they  cannot  be ; if  onr  boys  and  girls  are  educated  to  realize  the  economic 


7 


value  of  the  birds,  and  are  encouraged  to  study  their  habits,  the  desire  to  shoot 
them  or  to  rob  them  of  their  eggs  will  be  very  materially  lessened.  It  is  a com- 
mon practice  for  some  farmers  to  burn  their  land  over  in  the  Spring,  usually  about 
nesting  time.  Three  years  ago,  and  as  far  back  of  that  as  I can  remember,  a small 
ravine  or  valley  was  teeming  with  bird  life ; it  was  the  most  favored  spot  that  1 
know  of,  for  the  variety  and  numbers  of  its  bird  tenants.  Last  year,  towards  the 
end  of  May,  this  place  was  deliberately  burned  over  by  the  owner.  Twenty-seven 
nests  that  I know  of,  some  with  young,  others  with  eggs,  and  still  others  in  the 
process  of  construction,  were  destroyed,  besides  hundreds  of  others  that  I had 
never  seen.  This  year  the  same  thing  was  done  earlier  in  the  season,  and  not  a 
bird  nested  here,  and,  late  in  Summer  only  a few  clumps  of  ferns  have  found 
courage  to  appear  above  the  blackened  ground.  Farmers  also  cut  off  a great  many 
patches  of  underbrush  that  might  just  as  well  have  been  left,  thus,  for  lack  of 
suitable  places  for  their  homes,  driving  away  some  of  their  most  valuable  assist- 
ants. The  cutting  off  of  woods  and  forests  is  an  important  factor  in  the  decrease 
of  bird  life,  as  well  as  upon  the  climate  of  the  country. 

Our  winter  birds  have  their  hardships  when  snow  covers  the  weed  tops,  and 
a coating  of  ice  covers  the  trees,  so  that  they  can  neither  get  seeds  nor  grubs. 
During  the  nesting  season,  we  often  have  long-continued  rains  which  sometimes 
cause  an  enormous  loss  of  life  to  insect-eating  birds  and  their  young.  In  1903, 
after  a few  weeks’  steady  rain  and  damp  weather,  not  a Purple  Martin  could  be 
found  in  Worcester  County,  nor,  as  far  as  I know,  in  New  England ; they  were 


8 


wholly  unable  to  get  food  for  either  themselves  or  their  young,  and  the  majority 
of  them  left  this  region.  The  Martin  houses,  when  cleaned  out,  were  found  to 
contain  young,  eggs  and  some  adults  that  had  starved  rather  than  desert  their 
family.  The  Martins  did  not  return  in  1904  or  1905. 

Birds  are  subject  to  a great  many  accidents,  chiefly  by  flying  into  objects  at 
night.  Telephone  and  telegraph  wires  maim  or  kill  thousands,  while  lighthouses 
and  steeples  often  cause  the  ground  to  be  strewn  with  bodies  during  migrations. 
Other  accidents  are  caused  by  storms,  fatigue  while  crossing  large  bodies  of 
water,  nests  falling  from  trees  because  of  an  insecure  support,  and  ground  nests 
being  trod  upon  by  man,  horses  and  cattle. 

In  the  vicinity  of  cities,  towns,  villages  or  farms,  one  of  the  most  fertile 
sources  of  danger  to  bird  life  is  from  cats.  Even  the  most  gentle  household  pet, 
if  allowed  its  liberty  out  of  doors,  will  get  its  full  quota  of  birds  during  the  year, 
while  homeless  cats,  and  many  that  are  not,  will  average  several  hundred  birds 
apiece  during  the  season.  After  years  of  careful  observation,  Mr.  E.  H.  Forbush, 
Mass.,  state  ornithologist,  has  estimated  that  the  average  number  of  birds  killed, 
per  cat  population,  is  about  fifty.  If  a dog  kills  sheep  or  deer,  he  is  shot  and  the 
owner  has  to  pay  damages ; if  a man  is  caught  killing  a bird,  he  pays  a fine ; but 
cats  are  allowed  to  roam  about  without  restriction,  leaving  death  and  destruction 
in  their  wake.  All  homeless  cats  should  be  summarily  dealt  with,  and  all  pets 
should  be  housed,  at  least  from  May  until  August,  when  the  young  birds  are  able 
to  fly. 


9 


Of  wild  animals,  Red  Squirrels  are  far  the  most  destructive  to  young-  birds  and 
eggs ; Chipmunks  and  Grays  are  also  destructive  but  not  nearly  as  active  or  im- 
pudent as  the  Reds.  Skunks,  Foxes  and  Weasels  are  smaller  factors  in  the 
decrease  of  bird  life. 

Birds  of  prey  have  but  little  to  do  with  the  question  of  bird  protection  for, 
with  a few  exceptions,  they  rarely  feed  upon  other  birds,  and  nearly  all  of  them 
are  of  considerable  economic  value  themselves.  Jays,  Crows  and  Grackles,  by 
devouring  the  eggs  and  young  of  our  smaller  birds,  are  a far  greater  menace  than 
are  the  birds  of  prey,  but  even  these  have  their  work  and  should  be  left  in  the 
place  that  Nature  intended  for  them ; they  should,  however,  be  taught  to  keep 
away  from  the  neighborhood  of  houses. 

How  Can  We  Attract  Birds  About  Our  Homes  ?— Many  birds  prefer  to  live  in 
the  vicinity  of  houses,  and  they  soon  learn  where  they  are  welcome.  Keep  your 
premises  as  free  as  possible  from  cats,  dogs,  and  especially  English  Sparrows,  and 
other  birds  will  come.  Robins,  Orioles,  Kingbirds,  Waxwings  and  a few  others 
will  nest  in  orchard  trees,  while  in  dead  limbs  or  bird  boxes  will  be  found  Blue- 
birds, Wrens,  Swallows,  Woodpeckers,  Chickadees,  etc. 

A house  for  Purple  Martins  may  contain  many  apartments ; it  should  be 
erected  in  an  open  space,  on  a ten  or  twelve  foot  pole.  Boxes  for  other  birds  should 
have  but  one  compartment,  and  should  be  about  six  by  six  by  eight  inches,  with  a 
hole  at  least  one  and  one-half  inches  in  diameter  in  one  side ; these  can  be  fas- 


10 


tenecl  in  trees  or  on  the  sides  or  cornices  of  barns  or  sheds.  It  is  needless  to  say 
that  English  Sparrows  should  not  be  allowed  to  use  these  boxes.  By  tying  suet  to 
limbs  of  trees  in  winter,  and  providing  a small  board  upon  which  grain,  crumbs, 
etc.,  may  be  sprinkled,  large  numbers  of  winter  birds  may  be  fed ; of  these,  prob- 
ably only  the  Chickadees  will  remain  to  nest,  if  they  can  find  a suitable  place. 

How  To  Study  Birds. — This  refers,  not  to  the  scientific,  but  to  the  popular 
study  of  our  birds,  chiefly  in  the  field.  We  can  learn  many  very  interesting 
things  by  watching  our  birds,  especially  during  the  nesting  season,  and  the  habits 
and  peculiarities  of  many  are  still  but  imperfectly  known.  One  thing  to  be  im- 
pressed upon  the  student  at  the  start  is  the  need  of  very  careful  observation  before 
deciding  upon  the  identity  of  a bird  with  which  you  are  not  perfectly  familiar.  A 
bird’s  colors  appear  to  differ  greatly  when  viewed  in  different  lights,  while  in  look- 
ing up  in  the  tree  tops,  it  is  often  impossible  to  see  any  color  at  all  without  the 
aid  of  a good  field  glass.  By  the  way,  we  would  advise  everyone  to  own  a good 
pair  of  these,  for,  besides  being  almost  indispensable  for  bird  study,  they  are 
equally  valuable  for  use  at  the  seashore,  in  the  mountains  or  at  the  theatre.  [We 
have  examined  more  than  a hundred  makes  of  field  glasses  to  select  the  one  best 
adapted  to  bird  study,  and  at  a moderate  price.  We  found  one  that  was  far  super- 
ior to  any  other  at  the  same  price,  and  was  equal  to  most  of  those  costing  three 
times  as  much.  It  gives  a very  clear  image,  magnifies  about  four  diameters  and 
has  a very  large  field  of  view.  It  comes  in  a silk-lined  leather  case,  with  cord  for 


11 


suspending*  from  the  shoulder,  and  is  of  a convenient  size  for  carrying*  in  the 
pocket.  We  have  made  arrangements  so  that  we  can  sell  these  for  $5.00,  postpaid 
(money  rfunded  if  they  are  not  satisfactory  after  three  day’s  trial.)  Order  from 
Chas.  K.  Reed,  Worcester,  Mass.] 

We  should  also  advise  everyone  to  keep  a note  book,  apart  from  the  Bird 
Guide.  At  the  end  of  the  season  you  can  write  neatly  with  ink  on  the  top  of  the 
pages  of  the  Guide,  the  dates  of  the  earliest  arrivals  and  latest  departures  of  the 
birds  that  you  have  recorded.  If  you  see  a bird  that  you  do  not  recognize,  make 
the  following  notes,  as  completely  as  possible: — Length  (approximately);  any 
bright  colors  or  patches ; shape  of  bill,  whether  most  like  that  of  a finch,  warbler, 
etc. ; has  it  a medium  or  superciliary  line,  eye  ring,  wing  bars,  or  white  in  the  tail ; 
what  are  its  notes  or  song ; does  it  keep  on  or  near  the  ground,  or  high  up ; are  its 
actions  quick  or  slow ; upon  what  does  it  appear  to  be  feeding ; is  it  alone  or  with 
other  birds,  and  what  kind ; where  was  it  seen,  in  dry  woods,  swamp,  pasture, 
etc. ; date  that  it  was  seen.  With  this  data  you  can  identify  any  bird,  but  usually 
you  will  need  only  to  glance  over  the  pictures  in  the  Bird  Guide  to  find  the  name 
of  the  bird  you  have  seen. 

I should  advise  anyone  by  all  means  to  make  a complete  local  list  of  all  the 
birds  that  are  found  in  their  neighborhood,  but  of  far  greater  value  than  the 
simple  recording  of  the  different  species  seen  on  each  walk,  will  be  the  making 
a special  study  of  one  or  more  birds,  even  though  they  be  common  ones.  While, 


12 


of  course,  noting-  any  peculiarities  of  any  bird  that  you  may  see,  select  some 
particular  one  or  ones  and  find  out  all  you  can  about  it.  The  following-  most 
necessary  points  are  cited  to  aid  the  student  in  making-  observations : — Date  of 
arrival  and  whether  in  large  flocks,  pairs  or  singly ; where  found  most  abundantly ; 
upon  what  do  they  feed  at  the  different  seasons ; what  are  their  songs  and  calls 
at  different  seasons ; when  and  where  do  they  make  their  nests ; of  what  are  they 
made  and  by  which  bird  or  both ; how  long  does  it  take,  and  when  is  the  first  and 
last  egg  laid;  how  long  does  it  take  them  to  hatch,  and  do  both  birds  or  only  one 
incubate  them ; upon  what  are  the  young  fed  at  different  ages ; how  long  do  they 
remain  in  the  nest,  and  do  they  return  after  once  leaving ; how  long  before  they 
are  able  to  feed  themselves,  and  do  they  remain  with  their  parents  until  they 
migrate.  These  and  other  notes  that  will  suggest  themselves,  will  furnish  in- 
teresting and  valuable  instruction  during  your  leisure  time. 


'Primaries. 


'Pntua.t'j  lamp 
Stealer  LoMerla 
VU&iiW  LweiTs 
Lesser  Lo\ier\s 
SLuAs«-  LymousLlin^ 
Croum 
WeaiauLiue 
Man&iUes^t" 

Lore 

SLpemLary  Liue 
Lur  LooerTs  - RuncuW  s 


Sca\>u\ara 

VJin^Lars 

Shoulder 

Tihia 

Tarsus 


TOPOGRAPHY  OF  A BIRD. 


BIRD  guide: 


PART  2 


LAND  BIRDS  EAST  OF  THE  ROCKIES 


The  numbers  and  names  used  in  this  book  are  those  adopted  by  the  Ameriean 
Ornithologists’  Union,  and  are  known  both  in  this  country  and  abroad.  The 
lengths  given  are  averages ; our  small  birds  often  vary  considerably  and  may  be 
found  either  slightly  larger  or  smaller  than  those  quoted. 

On  some  of  the  pages  a number  of  sub-species  are  mentioned.  Sub-species 
often  cause  confusion,  because  they  are  usually  very  similar  to  the  original ; they 
can  best  be  identified  by  the  locality  in  which  they  are  found. 

Of  course  the  writing  of  birds’  songs  is  an  impossibility,  but  wherever  I have 
thought  it  might  prove  of  assistance,  1 have  given  a crude  imitation  of  what  it 
sounds  like  to  me.  The  nests  and  eggs  are  described,  as  they  often  lead  to  the 
identity  of  a bird.  We  would  suggest  that  you  neatly,  and  with  ink,  make  a cross 
against  the  name  of  each  bird  that  you  see  in  your  locality,  and  also  that  you 
write  at  the  top  of  the  page,  the  date  of  the  arrival  and  departure  of  each  bird  as 
you  note  it ; these  dates  vary  so  much  in  different  localities  that  we  have  not 
attempted  to  give  them. 

As  many  will  not  wish  to  soil  their  books,  we  would  suggest  that  they  have  a 
leather  covered  copy  for  the  library  and  a cloth  one  for  pocket  use. 


16 


CAROLINA  PAROQUET. 

382.  Conuropsis  carolinensis.  12^  inches. 

Adults  have  the  fore  part  of  the  head  orange,  while 
young  birds  have  the  head  entirely  green,  with  only 
a trifle  orange  on  the  forehead. 

With  the  exception  of  the  Thick-billed  Parrot  which 
is  very  rarely  found  in  southern  Arizona,  these  are  the 
only  members  of  the  Parrot  family  in  the  United  States. 
They  were  once  abundant  throughout  the  southern  states, 
but  are  now  nearly  extinct.  They  are  found  in  heavily 
timbered  regions,  usually  along  the  banks  of  streams, 
where  they  feed  upon  seeds  and  berries. 

Note. — A sharp,  rolling  “kr-r-r-r-r.”  (Chapman.) 

Nest. — Supposed  to  be  in  hollow  trees,  where  they  lay 
from  three  to  five  white  eggs  (1.31  x 1.06). 

Range. — Formerly  the  southern  states,  but  now  con- 
fined to  the  interior  of  Florida  and,  possibly,  Indian 
Territory, 


2 


17 


GROOVE-BILLED  ANI. 


384.  Crotophaga  sulcirostris.  14%  inches. 

Anis  are  fairly  abundant  in  southern  Texas  along  the 
Rio  Grande.  Like  all  the  members  of  the  family  of 
Cuckoos,  their  nesting  habits  are  very  irregular ; ofttimes 
a number  of  them  will  unite  and  form  one  large  nest  in 
a bush,  in  which  all  deposit  their  eggs.  The  eggs  are 
bluish-green,  covered  with  a white  chalky  deposit 
( 1.25  x .95). 

ROAD-RUNNER, 

385.  Geococcyx  calif  or  nianus.  23  inches. 

In  the  southwestern  portions  of  our  country,  from 
Texas  and  Kansas  west  to  the  Pacific,  these  curious 
birds  are  commonly  found.  They  are  locally  known  as 
“Ground  Cuckoos,”  “Snake-killers,”  “Chaparral  Cocks.” 
They  are  very  fond  of  lizards  and  small  snakes,  which 
form  a large  part  of  their  fare.  They  are  very  fleet 
runners,  but  fly  only  indifferently  well.  Their  four  to 
ten  white  eggs  are  laid  on  frail  nests  of  twigs,  in  busheso 


18 


MANGROVE  CUCKOO. 

386.  Coccyzus  minor.  13  inches. 

These  buff -breasted  Cuckoos  are  natives  of  Cuba  and 
Central  America,  being  found  in  southern  Florida  only 
during  the  summer.  The  habits  of  all  the  American 
Cuckoos  are  practically  identical  and  their  notes  or 
songs  can  only  be  distinguished  from  one  another  by  long 
familiarity. 

YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

387.  Coccyzus  americanus.  12%  inches. 

This  species  is  the  most  abundant  in  the  southern 
part  of  its  range,  while  the  Black-bill  is  the  most  com- 
mon in  the  North.  Notice  that  the  lower  mandible  is 
yellowish,  that  the  wings  are  largely  rufous,  and  that  the 
outer  tail  feathers  are  black,  with  broad  white  tips, 
these  points  readily  distinguishing  this  species  from  the 
next.  The  eggs  of  this  species  are  large  and  paler  col- 
ored than  the  next  (1.20x.90).  They  breed  from  the 
Gulf  to  southern  Canada  and  winter  in  Central  America. 


19 


BLACK-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

388.  Coccyzus  erytliropthalmus.  11%  incheb. 

Cuckoos  are  of  quiet  and  retiring  habits,  but  on  ac- 
count of  their  mournful  notes  are  often  regarded  with 
awe  by  the  superstitious.  They  are  one  of  our  most  val- 
uable birds,  for  they  consume  quantities  of  the  fuzzy 
Tent  Caterpillars,  that  are  so  destructive. 

Their  short,  rounded  wings  and  long,  broad  tails  give 
them  a silent,  gliding  flight  that  often  enables  them  to 
escape  unnoticed. 

Note. — A low  guttural  croak,  “cow,”  “cow,”  etc.,  re- 
peated a great  many  times  and  sometimes  varied  with 
“cow-uh,”  also  repeated  many  times. 

Nest. — Flat,  shabby  platforms  of  twigs  placed  at  low 
elevations  in  thickets  or  on  the  lower  branches  of  trees. 
The  four  greenish-blue  eggs  are  1.15x.85. 

Range. — United  States  and  southern  Canada,  east  of 
the  Rockies.  Arrives  in  May  and  leaves  in  September 
for  northern  South  America. 


20 


BELTED  KINGFISHER. 

390.  Ceryle  alcyon.  13  inches. 

The  male  has  the  breast  band  and  sides  blue-gray,  like 
the  back,  while  the  female  has  chestnut-colored  sides  and 
breast  band  in  addition  to  a gray  band. 

Kingfishers  may  be  found  about  ponds,  lakes,  rivers, 
the  sea-side  or  small  creeks;  anywhere  that  small  fish 
may  be  obtained.  Their  food  is  entirely  of  fish  that  they 
catch  by  diving  for,  from  their  perches  on  dead  branches, 
or  by  hovering  over  the  water  until  the  fish  are  in  proper 
positions  and  then  plunging  after  them. 

Note. — A very  loud,  harsh  rattle,  easily  heard  half  a 
mile  away  on  a clear,  quiet  day. 

Nest. — At  the  end  of  a two  or  three-foot  tunnel  in  a 
sand  bank.  The  tunnel  terminates  in  an  enlarged 
chamber  where  the  five  to  eight  glossy  white  eggs  ( 1.35  x 
1.05)  are  laid  upon  the  sand. 

Range. — Whole  of  North  America  north  to  the  Arctic 
regions.  Winters  from  southern  United  States  south- 
ward. 


21 


TEXAS  KINGFISHER. 


391.  Ceryle  americana  septentrionalis.  8 inches. 

The  adult  male  of  this  species  has  a rufous  breast 
band,  while  the  female  has  only  a greenish  one. 

The  Texan  Green  Kingfisher  is  the  smallest  member 
of  the  family  found  within  our  borders.  You  will  notice 
that  all  Kingfishers  have  the  two  outer  toes  on  each  foot 
joined  together  for  about  two-thirds  of  their  length.  This 
lias  been  brought  about  through  their  habit  of  excavating 
in  sand  banks  for  nesting  sites.  It  is  quite  probable  that 
at  some  future  distant  period  the  three  forward  toes  may 
be  connected  for  their  whole  length,  so  as  to  give  them 
a still  more  perfect  shovel. 

Note. — A rattling  cry,  more  shrill  than  that  of  the 
Belted  Kingfisher. 

Nest. — The  four  to  six  glossy  white  eggs  are  laid  on 
the  sand  at  the  end  of  a horizontal  burrow  in  a bank, 
the  end  being  enlarged  into  a chamber  sufficiently  large 
to  allow  the  parent  bKT  to  turn  about. 

Range. — Southwestern  border  of  the  United  States, 
from  southern  Texas  to  Arizona. 


22 


IVORY-BILLED  WOODPECKER. 

392.  Campcpltilus  principalis.  20  inches. 

Male  with  a scarlet  crest,  female  with  a black  one. 

These  are  the  largest  and  most  rare  of  the  Woodpeck- 
ers found  within  our  borders.  Their  decline  in  numbers 
is  due,  to  a certain  extent,  to  the  killing  of  them  because 
of  their  size  and  beauty,  but  chiefly  on  account  of  cutting 
off  of  a great  deal  of  the  heavy  timber  where  they  nest. 
They  are  very  powerful  birds  and  often  scale  the  bark 
off  the  greater  portion  of  a tree  in  their  search  for  in- 
sects and  grubs,  while  they  will  bore  into  the  heart  of  a 
living  tree  to  make  their  home. 

Note. — A shrill  two-syllabled  shriek  or  whistle. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  large  trees  in  impenetrable  swamps. 
On  the  chips  at  the  bottom  of  the  cavity,  they  lay  from 
three  to  six  glossy,  pure  white  eggs  ( 1.45  x 1.00) . 

Range. — Formerly  the  South  Atlantic  States  and  west 
to  Texas  and  Indian  Territory,  but  now  confined  to  a few 
isolated  portions  of  Florida  and,  possibly,  Indian  Terri- 
tory. 


HAIRY  WOODPECKER. 

393.  Dryobates  villosus.  9 inches. 

In  summer  these  Woodpeckers  are  found  in  heavy 
woods,  where  they  breed,  but  in  winter  they  are  often 
seen  on  trees  about  houses,  even  in  the  larger  cities, 
hunting  in  all  the  crevices  of  the  bark  in  the  hope  of 
locating  the  larva  of  some  insect.  They  are  usually 
more  shy  than  the  Downy,  from  which  they  can  read- 
ily be  distinguished  by  their  much  larger  size. 

Note. — A sharp  whistled  “peenk.” 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees  in  deep  woods;  three  to  six 
glossy  white  eggs  (.95  x .70) . 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.  from  Canada  to  North  Caro- 
lina. 

Sub-species. — 393a.  Northern  Hairy  Woodpecker 

( leucomelas ) , British  America  and  Alaska ; larger. — 
393b.  Southern  Hairy  Woodpecker  (audubonii),  South 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  States;  smaller.  The  difference  be- 
tween these  birds  is  small  and  chiefly  in  size,  although 
the  southern  bird  often  has  fewer  white  marks  on  the 
wing  coverts.  Other  sub-species  are  found  west  of  the 
Rockies. 


24 


SOUTHERN  DOWNY  WOODPECKER. 

394.  Dryobates  pubescens.  6 inches. 

The  male  has  a red  nuchal  patch  while  the  female 
has  none.  Downies  are  one  of  the  commonest  of  our 
Woodpeckers  and  are  usually  tame,  allowing  a very 
close  approach  before  flying.  They  remain  in  orchards 
and  open  woods  throughout  the  summer,  and  in  win- 
ter often  come  to  the  windows  in  places  where  they 
are  fed,  as  many  people  are  in  the  habit  of  doing  now. 
Their  food,  as  does  that  of  nearly  all  the  Woodpeckers, 
consists  entirely  of  insects,  grubs  and  larvse. 

Note. — A sharp  “peenk”  or  a rapid  series  of  the  same 
note,  usually  not  as  loud  as  that  of  the  Hairy  Wood- 
pecker. 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees  in  orchards  or  woods,  the 
four  to  six  white  eggs  being  laid  on  the  bare  wood ; 
size  .75  x .GO. 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States. 

Sub-species. — Northern  Downy  Woodpecker  (me- 
dianus),  North  America  east  of  the  Rockies  and  north 
of  the  Carolinas.  This  variety  is  slightly  larger  than 
the  southern;  others  are  found  west  of  the  Rockies 


RED-COCKADED  WOODPECKER. 

395.  Dryobates  borealis.  8^4  inches. 

Male  with  a small  patch  of  scarlet  on  both  sides  of 
the  head;  female  without.  The  actions  and  habits  are 
very  similar  to  those  of  the  Downy.  The  birds  can 
readily  be  identified  at  a distance  by  the  cross-barring 
of  white  on  the  back.  Their  notes  are  harsher  than 
those  of  the  Downy  and  have  more  of  the  nasal  quality, 
like  these  of  the  nuthatches. 

Range. — Southeastern  United  States,  west  to  Texas 
and  north  to  Virginia. 

TEXAN  WOODPECKER. 

396.  Dryobates  scalaris  bairdi.  7%  inches. 

On  account  of  its  numerous  cross  bars,  this  species 
is  often  known  as  the  Ladder-backed  Woodpecker.  They 
are  quite  similar  to  the  Nuttall  Woodpecker,  that  is  found 
on  the  Pacific  Coast,  but  differ  in  having  the  underparts 
brownish-white  instead  of  white,  and  the  outer  tail 
feathers  heavily  barred.  They  are  found  from  Texas  to 
southeastern  California  and  north  to  Colorado. 


26 


ARCTIC  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER. 

400.  Picoides  arcticus.  9.5  inches. 

Back  glossy  black,  without  any  white.  Only  three 
toes,  two  in  front  and  one  behind.  This  is  the  most 
common  of  the  two  species  found  within  the  United 
States.  They  breed  from  the  northern  edge  of  the  Union 
north  to  the  limit  of  trees. 

AMERICAN  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER. 

401.  Picoides  americanus.  8%  inches. 

Back  barred  Avith  white;  outer  tail  feathers  barred 
with  black ; yellow  crown  patch  on  male  mixed  with 
white.  Except  on  some  of  the  higher  mountain  ranges 
these  birds  appear  in  the  United  States  only  during 
winter.  They  are  very  hardy  and  commence  nesting 
before  snow  leaA^es. 

Note. — A shrill,  loud,  nasal  shriek,  sometimes  re- 
peated. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees  as  is  usual  with  Woodpeckers. 
The  white  eggs  measure  .95  x .70. 


YELLOW-BELLIED  SAPSUCKEB, 

402.  tiphyrapicus  varius.  8^  inches. 

Male  witn  a scarlet  crown  and  throat;  female  with 
a scarlet  crown  and  white  throat;  young  with  the  head 
and  neck  mottled  gray  and  white,  with  a few  scarlet 
feathers. 

This  species  has  gained  some  ill-repute  because  of  its 
supposed  habit  of  boring  through  the  bark  of  trees  in 
order  to  get  at  the  sap,  and  thus  killing  the  trees. 
However,  I very  much  doubt  if  they  do  any  appre- 
ciable damage  in  this  manner.  I have  watched  a great 
many  of  them  in  the  spring  and  fall  and  have  clearly 
seen  that  they  were  feeding  upon  insects  in  the  same 
way  as  the  Downy. 

Note. — A loud  whining  “whee,”  and  other  harsh  calls 
similar  to  the  scream  of  a Blue  Jay. 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees,  at  heights  from  the  ground 
varying  from  eight  to  fifty  feet.  Late  in  May  they  lay 
from  four  to  seven  white  eggs  (.85  x .60). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
Virginia  and  Missouri  to  Hudson  Bay,  and  wintering 
in  southern  U.  S. 


PILEATED  WOODPECKER. 

405.  PhloBOiomus  pileatus.  17  inches. 

Male  with  a scarlet  crown  and  crest,  and  a red 
moustache  or  mark  extending  back  from  the  bill ; female 
with  scarlet  crest  but  a blackish  forehead  and  no  mous- 
tache. 

Next  to  the  Ivory-bills,  these  are  the  largest  of  our 
Woodpeckers.  Like  that  species  it  is  very  destructive 
to  trees  in  its  search  for  food.  While  engaged  in  this 
pursuit,  they  often  drill  large  holes  several  inches  into 
sound  wood  to  reach  the  object  of  their  search.  Like 
all  the  Woodpeckers,  they  delight  in  playing  tattoos 
on  dry,  resonant  limbs  with  their  bills. 

Note. — A whistled  “cuk,”  “cuk,”  “cuk,”  slowly  re- 
peated many  times,  also  a “wick-up”  repeated  several 
times. 

Nest. — In  large  cavities  in  trees,  in  which  they  lay 
four  to  six  white  eggs  (1.30x  1.00). 

Range. — Southern  United  States.  The  Northern 
Pileated  Woodpecker  (abieticola)  is  locally  found  in 
temperate  N.  A. 


RED-HEADED  WOODPECKER. 


406.  Melanerpes  erythrocephalus.  9 % inches. 

Adults  with  entire  head  and  breast  red;  young  with 
a gray  head  and  back,  streaked  with  darker. 

This  very  handsome  species  is  common  and  very 
well  known  in  the  Middle  and  Central  States.  They 
are  the  ruffians  of  the  family,  very  noisy  and  quarrel- 
some. One  of  their  worst  traits  is  the  devouring  of 
the  eggs  and  young  of  other  birds.  To  partially  offset 
this,  they  also  eat  insects  and  grubs  and  a great  deal 
of  fruit. 

Note. — A loud,  whining  “charr,”  “charr,”  besides 
numerous  other  calls  and  imitations. 

Nest. — Holes  in  trees  in  woods,  orchards  or  along 
roadsides  and  also  in  fence  posts  or  telegraph  poles. 
In  May  and  June  they  lay  four  to  six  glossy  white 
eggs  ( 1.00  x .75) . 

Range. — United  States  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding 
from  the  Gulf  to  New  York  and  Minnesota.  Winters 
in  southern  United  States. 


30 


RED-BELLIED  WOODPECKER. 

409.  Centurus  carolinus.  9^  inches. 

Male  with  whole  top  of  head  and  back  of  neck  red; 
female  with  forehead  and  hind  head  red  but  crown  gray. 
Both  sexes  have  the  center  of  the  belly  reddish,  and  have 
red  eyes. 

Like  the  Bed-heads,  these  birds  are  noisy,  but  they 
have  few  of  the  bad  qualities  of  the  others.  Besides  the 
regular  Woodpecker  fare,  they  get  a great  many  ants  and 
beetles  from  the  ground  and  fruit  and  acorns  from  the 
trees.  They  are  said  to  also  be  fond  of  orange  juice.  In 
most  of  their  range  they  are  regarded  as  rather  shy  and 
retiring  birds. 

Note. — A sharp,  resonant  “cha,”  “cha,”  “cha,”  re- 
peated. 

Nest. — In  holes  bored  usually  in  live  trees  and  at  any 
height  from  the  ground.  Their  five  or  six  eggs  are  glossy 
white  ( 1.00  x .75 ) . 

Range. — United  States  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding 
from  Florida  and  Texas  to  southern  Pennsylvania  and 
Minnesota.  Winters  along  the  Gulf  coast;  occasionally 
strays  to  Massachusetts. 


31 


FLICKER. 

412.  Colaptes  auratus.  13  inches. 

Male  with  a black  moustache  mark;  female  without, 
although  young  females  in  the  first  plumage  show  some 
black. 

These  birds  are  very  often  known  as  “Golden-winged 
Woodpeckers,”  “Higli-holes”  and  about  a hundred  other 
names  in  different  localities.  Flickers  are  found  com- 
monly in  woods,  orchards  or  trees  by  the  roadside;  on 
pleasant  days  their  rapidly  uttered,  rolling  whistle  may 
be  heard  at  all  hours  of  the  day. 

Note. — A rapidly  repeated  whistle,  “cuk,”  “cuk,” 
“cuk”;  an  emphatic  “quit-u,”  “quit-u,”  and  several 
others  of  a similar  nature. 

Nest. — A cavity  in  a tree,  at  any  distance  from  the 
ground.  The  white  eggs  usually  vary  in  number  from 
five  to  ten,  but  they  have  been  known  to  lay  as  many  as 
seventy-one,  where  an  egg  was  taken  from  the  nest  each 
day. 

Range. — South  Atlantic  States.  The  Northern  Flicker 
(luteus)  is  found  in  North  America  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains. 


RED-SHAFTED  FLICKER. 

413.  Colaptes  cafer  collaris.  13  inches. 

Crown  brown  and  throat  gray,  these  colors  being  just 
reversed  from  those  of  the  common  Flicker. 

The  male  is  distinguished  by  a red  moustache  mark, 
which  the  female  lacks.  The  typical  male  Red-shafted 
Flicker  lacks  the  red  crescent  on  the  back  of  the  head, 
but  it  is  often  present  on  individuals,  as  there  are  nu- 
merous hybrids  between  this  species  and  the  preceding. 
Flickers  are  more  terrestrial  in  their  habits  than  are  any 
others  of  the  family;  their  food  consists  largely  of  ants 
which  they  get  from  the  ground. 

Note. — Same  as  those  of  the  last;  both  species  often 
utter  a purring  whistle  when  they  are  startled  from  the 
ground. 

Nest. — The  nesting  habits  are  identical  with  those  of 
the  last  and  the  eggs  cannot  be  distinguished. 

Range. — From  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains to  the  Pacific. 

3 


CHUCK- WILL’S- WIDOW. 

416.  Antrostomus  carolinensis.  12  inches. 

Male  with  the  end  half  of  the  outer  tail  feathers  white, 
and  the  edge  of  the  outer  vanes  rusty;  female  with  no 
white  ends  to  the  feathers.  Birds  of  this  family  have 
small  bills,  but  extremely  large  mouths  adapted  to  catch- 
ing night-flying  moths  and  other  insects.  They  remain 
sleeping  during  the  day,  either  perched  lengthwise  on  a 
limb  or  concealed  beside  a stump  or  rock  on  the  ground, 
their  colors  harmonizing  with  the  surroundings  in  either 
case.  They  fly,  of  their  own  accord,  only  at  dusk  or  in 
the  early  morning.  This  species,  which  is  much  the 
largest  of  our  Goatsuckers,  is  known  to,  at  times,  devour 
small  birds,  as  such  have  been  found  in  their  stomachs. 

Note. — A loudly  whistled  and  repeated  “chuck-wilTs- 
widow.” 

Nest. — None,  the  two  eggs  being  laid  on  the  ground 
or  dead  leaves  in  underbrush.  Eggs  white,  blotched 
with  gray  and  lavender  (1.40x  1.00). 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  breeding 
north  to  Virginia  and  Missouri,  west  to  Texas. 


34 


WHIP-POOR-WILL. 

417.  Antrostomus  vociferus.  9 % inches. 

Male  with  broad  white  tips  to  outer  tail  feathers; 
female  with  narrow  huffy  tips.  These  birds  are  often 
confounded  with  the  Nighthawk,  but  are  very  easily 
distinguished  by  the  long  bristles  from  base  of  bill,  the 
black  chin,  the  chestnut  and  black  barred  wing  feathers 
and  the  rounded  tail.  Whip-poor-wills  are  more  noc- 
turnal than  Nighthawks  and  on  moonlight  nights  con- 
tinue the  whistled  repetition  of  their  name  throughout 
the  night.  They  capture  and  devour  a great  many  of 
the  large-bodied  moths  that  are  found  in  the  woods,  but 
are  never  seen  flying  over  cities  like  Nighthawks. 

Note. — An  emphatically  whistled  repetition  of  “whip- 
poor-will,”  “whip-poor-will.” 

Nest. — In  June  they  lay  two  grayish  or  creamy  white 
eggs  (1.15x.85),  mottled  with  pale  brown,  gray  and 
lilac.  These  are  deposited  on  the  ground  in  woods. 

Range. — East  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick.  Winters  south  of  the 
United  States. 


35 


POOR- WILL. 

418.  Phalcenoplilus  nuttalli.  7%  inches. 

The  female  of  this  beautiful  little  Night- jar  differs 
from  the  male  only  in  having  narrow  buffy  tips  to  the 
outer  tail  feathers  instead  of  broad  white  ones.  Like  all 
the  members  of  this  family  these  birds  are  dusk  fliers, 
remaining  at  rest  on  the  ground  in  daylight.  Their 
frosted  gray  plumage  harmonizes  so  perfectly  with  their 
surroundings  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  see  them. 
Their  eggs  are  nearly  immaculate,  but  usually  show 
traces  of  the  lavender  blotches  that  mark  others  of  the 
family.  Their  call  is  a mournful  “poor-will-ee.”  They 
are  found  from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific,  but  are  not 
common  east  of  the  Rockies. 

MERRILL  PARAQUE. 

419.  Nyciidromus  albicollis  merrilli.  13  inches. 

As  usual  with  birds  of  this  family,  sexual  difference  in 
the  plumage  occurs  chiefly  on  the  tips  of  the  outer  tail 
feathers.  These  birds  are  common  in  the  Lower  Rio 
Grande  Valley  in  Texas.  Their  eggs  differ  from  any  of 
the  preceding  in  having  a salmon-colored  ground. 


36 


NIGHTHAWK. 

420.  Cliordeiles  virginianus.  10  inches. 

Male  with  white  throat  and  white  band  across  tail; 
female  with  rusty  throat  and  no  white  on  tail.  Notice 
that  the  Nighthawk  has  a forked  tail  and  white  band 
across  the  wings,  thus  being  readily  distinguished  at  a 
distance  from  the  Whip-poor-will. 

Note. — A loud  nasal  “peent.” 

Nest. — None,  the  two  mottled  gray  and  white  eggs 
being  laid  on  bare  rocks  in  pastures,  on  the  ground  or 
under  brush,  or  on  gravel  roofs  in  cities;  size  1.20x.85. 

Range. — United  States  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding 
from  Florida  to  Labrador;  winters  south  of  United 
States.  Three  sub-species  occur: — 420a.  Western  Night- 
hawk  (henryi),  west  of  the  Plains;  420b.  Florida  Night- 
hawk  (chapmani)  ; 420c.  Sennett  Nighthawk  (sennetti), 
a pale  race  found  on  the  Plains  north  to  Saskatchewan. 

TEXAN  NIGHTHAWK 

421.  Chordeiles  acutipennis  texensis. 

This  species  is  found  in  southern  Texas  and  New 
Mexico.  It  differs  from  the  last  in  having  the  primaries 
spotted  with  rusty,  like  those  of  the  whip-poor-will. 


CHIMNEY  SWIFT. 

423.  Chcetura  pelagica.  5%  inches. 

Unused  chimneys  of  old  dwellings  make  favorite 
roosting  and  nesting  places  for  these  smoke-colored 
birds.  They  originally  dwelt  in  hollow  trees  until  the 
advent  of  man  furnished  more  convenient  places,  al- 
though we  would  scarcely  consider  the  soot-lined  brick 
surface  as  good  as  a clean  hollow  tree.  Spines  on  the 
end  of  each  tail  feather  enable  them  to  hang  to  their 
upright  walls,  and  to  slowly  hitch  their  way  to  the 
outer  world.  Throughout  the  day  numbers  of  them 
are  scouring  the  air  for  their  fare  of  insects,  but  as 
night  approaches,  they  return  to  the  chimney. 

Note. — A continuous  and  not  unmusical  twittering 
uttered  while  on  the  wing  and  also  within  the  depths 
of  the  chimney. 

Nest. — Made  of  small  sticks  or  twigs  glued  to  the 
sides  of  a chimney  and  each  other  by  the  bird’s  saliva. 
The  three  to  five  white  eggs  are  long  and  narrow 
( .75  x .50) . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from 
Florida  to  Labrador;  winters  south  of  U.  S. 


WHITE-THROATED  SWIFT. 

425.  Aeronautes  melanoleucus.  6%  inches. 

This  beautiful  swift  is  one  of  the  most  graceful  of 
winged  creatures.  Its  flight  is  extremely  rapid  and  its 
evolutions  remarkable.  They  nest  in  communities, 
thousands  of  them  often  congregating  about  the  tops  of 
inaccessible  cliffs,  in  the  crevices  of  which  they  make 
their  homes.  No  bird  has  a more  appropriate  generic 
name  than  this  species — “aeronautes,”  meaning  sailor  of 
the  air;  he  is  a sailor  of  the  air  and  a complete  master 
of  the  art. 

Note. — Loud,  shrill  twittering,  uttered  chiefly  while 
on  the  wing. 

Nest. — Placed  at  the  end  of  burrows  in  earthy  cliffs 
or  as  far  back  as  possible  between  crevices  in  rocks : 
usually  in  inaccessible  places  and  as  high  as  possible 
from  the  ground.  It  is  a saucer-shaped  structure  made 
of  vegetable  materials  cemented  together  with  saliva, 
and  lined  with  feathers.  The  four  white  eggs  measure 
.87  x .52. 

Range. — From  the  eastern  foothills  of  the  Rockies  to 
the  Pacific;  north  to  Montana  and  northern  California. 


RUBY- THROATED  HUMMINGBIRD. 

428.  Archilochus  colubris.  0V2  inches. 

This  little  gem  is  the  only  one  of  the  family  found 
within  the  territory  included  in  this  book.  Owners  of 
flower  gardens  have  the  best  of  opportunities  to  study 
these  winged  jewels,  on  their  many  trips  to  and  fro 
for  honey,  or  the  insects  that  are  also  attracted  there- 
by. With  whirring  wings,  they  remain  suspended  be- 
fore a blossom,  then — buzz — and  they  are  examining 
the  next,  with  bill  lost  within  the  sweet  depths.  Their 
temper  is  all  out  of  proportion  to  their  size,  for  they 
will  dash  at  an  intruder  about  their  moss-covered  home 
as  though  they  would  pierce  him  like  a bullet.  Their 
angry  twitters  and  squeaks  are  amusing  and  surprising, 
as  are  their  excitable  actions. 

Nest. — A most  beautiful  creation  of  plant  fibres  and 
cobwebs  adorned  with  lichens  and  resembling  a little 
tuft  of  moss  upon  the  bough  on  which  it  is  placed.  In 
June  two  tiny  white  eggs  are  laid  (.50  x .35). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  north  to  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south 
of  U.  S 


SCISSOR-TAILED  FLYCATCHER. 

443.  Muscivora  forficata.  14  y2  inches. 

This  pretty  creature  is  the  most  graceful  in  appear- 
ance of  the  Flycatcher  family,  if  not  of  the  whole  order 
of  perching  birds.  In  the  southwest  it  is  frequently 
known  as  the  “Texan  Bird  of  Paradise.”  Its  habits  are 
very  much  like  those  of  the  Kingbird;  as  it  gracefully 
swings  through  the  air  in  pursuit  of  insects,  it  fre- 
quently opens  and  shuts  its  scissor-like  tail.  They  are 
usually  found  in  open  country  or  on  the  borders  of 
woodland.  They  rarely  alight  on  the  ground,  for  their 
long  tails  make  them  walk  very  awkwardly,  but  when 
they  are  a-wing  they  are  the  embodiment  of  grace. 

Note. — A shrill  “tzip,”  “tzip,”  similar  to  notes  of 
Kingbirds. 

Nest. — Quite  large;  built  of  all  kinds  of  trash,  such 
as  twigs,  grasses,  paper,  rags,  string,  etc. ; placed  in 
any  kind  of  a tree  or  bush  and  at  any  height.  The 
four  or  five  creamy  white  eggs  are  spotted  with  brown 
( .90  x .67) . 

Range. — Breeds  from  Texas  north  to  Kansas;  win 
ters  south  of  U.  S. 


41 


KINGBIRD. 

444.  Tyr annus  tyr annus.  8 y2  inches. 

Adults  with  a concealed  orange  crown  patch;  young 
with  none.  From  the  time  of  their  arrival  in  May 
until  they  leave  us  in  August,  Kingbirds  are  much  in 
evidence  in  farmyards  and  orchards.  They  are  one 
of  the  most  noisy  birds,  always  quarreling  about  some- 
thing, and  usually  coming  off'  victorious  in  whatever 
they  may  undertake.  Crows  are  objects  of  hatred  to 
them,  and  they  always  drive  them  from  the  neighbor- 
hood, vigorously  dashing  upon  and  picking  them  from 
above  and  often  following  them  for  a great  distance. 
They  have  their  favorite  perches  from  which  they  watch 
for  insects,  usually  a dead  branch,  a fence  post,  or  a 
tail  stalk  in  the  field. 

Note. — A series  of  shrill,  harsh  sounds  like  “thsee,” 
“thsee.” 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  rootlets,  grass,  string,  etc.,  placed 
in  orchard  trees  or  open  woods  at  any  height.  Four  or 
five  creamy  white  eggs,  specked  and  spotted  with  red- 
dish brown  (.95  x .70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  southern  Canada. 


42 


GRAY  KINGBIRD. 

445.  Tyrannus  dominicensis.  9 inches. 

Differs  from  the  common  Kingbird  in  being  larger 
and  gray  above ; has  black  ear  coverts,  and  no  white  tip 
to  tail. 

Like  the  last  species,  these  are  very  noisy  and  pug- 
nacious, and  rule  their  domains  with  the  hand  of  a 
tyrant.  After  they  have  mated  they  quarrel  very  little 
among  themselves,  and  often  several  may  use  the  same 
lookout  twig  from  which  to  dash  after  passing  flies  or 
moths. 

Note. — A rapidly  repeated,  shrill  shriek:  “pe-clie-ri,” 
“pe-ehe-ri.’v 

Nest. — Rather  more  shabbily  built  but  of  the  same 
materials  as  those  used  by  our  common  Kingbird. 
Placed  in  all  kinds  of  trees,  but  more  often  in  man- 
groves, where  they  are  commonly  found.  Three  to  five 
pinkish-white  eggs,  profusely  blotched  with  brown 
(1.00  x .72). 

Range. — West  Indies  and  Florida,  Georgia  and  South 
Carolina.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies  and  Central 
America. 


43 


ARKANSAS  KINGBIRD. 

447,  Tyrannus  verticalis.  9 inches. 

These  tyrant  flycatchers  are  abundant  west  of  the  Mis 
sissippi,  where  they  are  often,  and  perhaps  more  aptly, 
known  as  the  Western  Kingbirds.  If  possible,  they  are 
even  more  noisy  and  pugnacious  than  the  eastern  species. 
They  have  a great  variety  of  notes,  all  rather  unpleasant 
to  the  ear.  Their  food,  like  that  of  the  other  Kingbirds, 
consists  of  moths,  butterflies,  ants,  grasshoppers,  crick- 
etc.,  etc.,  most  of  which  they  catch  on  the  wing. 

Note. — A shrill,  metallic  squeak;  a low  twittering 
and  a harsh,  discordant  scream,  all  impossible  to  print. 

Nest. — Quite  large  and  clumsily  made  of  paper,  rags, 
twigs,  rootlets  and  grasses,  placed  in  all  sorts  of  loca- 
tions, frequently  in  eave  troughs  or  above  windows. 
The  eggs  are  creamy  white,  spotted  with  brown  (.95  x 
.65). 

Range. — Western  United  States,  breeding  from  Texas 
to  Manitoba,  and  west  to  the  Pacific;  winters  south  of 
U.  S. 


44 


BEUBY  FLYCATCHER 

449.  Pitangus  sulphuratus  derbianus.  IOV2  inches. 

Thk  imposing  flycatcher  is  the  largest  of  the  family 
that  is  found  m North  America.  As  usual  with  mem- 
bers of  the  family  it  is  of  a quarrelsome  disposition, 
but  hardly  so  much  so  as  either  the  common  or  Arkansas 
Kingbirds.  Their  large,  heavy  bodies  render  them  con- 
siderably less  active  than  the  smaller  members  of  the 
family.  On  account  of  the  size  of  the  head  and  bill,  they 
are  often  known  as  Bull-headed  Flycatchers. 

Notes. — Very  varied,  but  similar  in  character  to 
those  of  the  eastern  Kingbird. 

Nest. — It  is  said  to  build  its  nest  at  low  elevations 
in  trees  or  in  thorny  bushes — a large  structure  of  twigs 
and  rubbish  with  an  entrance  on  the  side.  The  three 
to  five  eggs  have  a cream-colored  ground  and  are  prom- 
inentlv  specked  about  the  large  end  with  brown  (1.15  x 
.82).  ^ 

Range. — A Mexican  species  that  is  fairly  common  in 
the  Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  Texas. 


CRESTED  FLYCATCHER. 


452.  Myiarchus  crinitus.  9 inches. 

These  large  flycatchers  are  very  noisy  in  the 
mating  season,  but  their  notes  are  rather  more 
musical  than  those  of  the  Kingbirds.  They  ap 
pear  to  be  of  a quarrelsome  disposition,  for  rarely  will 
more  than  one  pair  be  found  in  a single  piece  of  woods,. 
They  also  frequently  chase  smaller  birds,  but  never 
attack  larger  ones,  as  do  the  Kingbirds.  They  have  a 
queer  habit  of  placing  a piece  of  snakeskin  in  the  hole 
in  which  their  nest  is  located,  for  what  purpose,  unless 
to  scare  away  intruders,  is  not  known,  but  it  seems  to 
be  a universal  practice. 

Notes. — A clear  whistle,  “wit-whit,”  “wit-whit,”  re- 
peated several  times.  This  is  the  most  common  call; 
they  have  many  others  less  musical. 

Nest. — Of  straw,  etc.,  in  holes  of  dead  limbs.  Eggs 
four  to  six  in  number ; buffy  white,  streaked  and 
blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.  from  the  Plains  to  the  At- 
lantic, breeding  north  to  southern  Canada. 


PHOEBE. 

456.  Sayornis  phoobe.  7 inches. 

A Phoebe  is  always  associated,  in  my  mind,  with  old 
bridges  and  bubbling  brooks.  Nearly  every  bridge 
which  is  at  all  adapted  for  the  purpose  has  its  Phoebe 
home  beneath  it,  to  which  the  same  pair  of  birds  will 
return  year  after  year,  sometimes  building  a new  nest, 
sometimes  repairing  the  old.  They  seem  to  be  of  a 
nervous  temperament,  for,  as  they  sit  upon  their  usual 
lookout  perch,  their  tails  are  continually  twitching  as 
though  in  anticipation  of  the  insects  that  are  sure  to 
pass  sooner  or  later. 

Note. — A jerky,  emphatic  “phoe-be,’  with  the  accent 
on  the  second  syllable,  and  still  further  accented  by 
a vigorous  flirt  of  the  tail. 

Nest. — Of  mud,  grasses  and  moss,  plastered  to  the 
sides  of  beams  or  logs  under  bridges,  culverts  or  barns. 
In  May  or  June  four  or  five  white  eggs  are  laid  (.75  x 
.55). 

Range. — N.  A.,  east  of  the  Rockies,  north  to  southern 
Canada ; winters  in  southern  U.  S.  and  southward. 


47 


OLIVE-SIDED  FLYCATCHER. 

459.  Nuttallornis  borealis.  7%  inches. 

These  birds  can  scarcely  be  called  common  anywhere, 
but  single  pairs  of  them  may  be  found,  in  their  breed- 
ing range,  in  suitable  pieces  of  woodland.  I have  al- 
ways found  them  in  dead  pine  swamps,  where  the  trees 
were  covered  with  hanging  moss,  making  it  very  difficult 
to  locate  their  small  nests.  Their  peculiar,  loud,  clear 
whistle  can  be  heard  for  a long  distance  and  serves  as 
a guide-board  to  their  location. 

lTote. — A loud,  clear  whistle,  “whip-wheeu,”  the  first 
syllable  short  and  sharp,  the  last  long  and  drawn  out 
into  a plaintive  ending. 

Nest. — A small  structure  for  the  size  of  the  bird, 
made  of  twigs  and  mosses  firmly  anchored  to  horizon- 
tal limbs  or  forks.  Three  to  five  eggs  are  laid;  a rich 
creamy  ground,  spotted  about  the  large  end  with  brown 
and  lavender  (.85  x .65). 

Range. — *N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  latitude  of  Massa- 
chusetts, and  farther  south  in  mountainous  regions, 
north  to  Labrador  and  Alaska. 


WOOD  PEWEE. 

461.  Myiochanes  virens.  6%  inches. 

In  life,  the  Pewee  can  best  be  distinguished  from  the 
larger  Phoebe,  with  which  it  is  often  confounded,  by  its 
sad,  plaintive  ‘’pe-ali-wee,”  “pee-wee/*  which  is  strik- 
ingly different  from  the  brusque  call  of  the  Phoebe. 
Pewees  are  also  found  more  in  high,  dry  woods  where 
they  build  their  little  moss-covered  homes  on  horizon- 
tal boughs  at  quite  a height  from  the  ground.  Like  the 
other  flycatchers  they  always  perch  on  dead  twigs,  where 
their  view  is  as  little  obstructed  as  possible. 

Note. — A clear,  plaintive  whistle,  “pe-ah-whee,”  “pee- 
wee.” 

Nest. — One  of  the  most  exquisite  of  bird  creations, 
composed  of  plant  fibres  quilted  together  and  orna- 
mented with  rock  lichens ; situated  at  varying  heights 
on  horizontal  limbs,  preferably  oak  or  chestnut,  and 
sometimes  in  apple  trees  in  orchards.  Eggs  creamy 
white,  specked  with  brown  (.80  x .55). 

Range. — U.  S.  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic  and 
north  to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick;  winters  in 
Central  America. 

4 


YELLOW-BELLIED  FLYCATCHER. 

463.  Empidonax  flaviventris.  5^  inches. 

These  strange  little  Flycatchers  are  found  in  swamps* 
such  as  those  usually  frequented  by  Olive-sided  Fly 
catchers  and  Parula  Warblers.  They  are  one  of  the 
few  of  the  family  to  nest  on  the  ground  or  very  close 
to  it.  Their  homes  are  made  in  the  moss-covered 
mounds  or  stumps  found  in  these  swamps. 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains  north  to  Labrador, 
breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  northward. 

GREEN-CRESTED  OR  ACADIAN  FLYCATCHER 

465.  Empidonax  virescens.  5%  inches. 

This  bird  is  very  similar  to  the  last,  but  the  lowei 
mandible  is  light,  and  the  throat  and  belly  white.. 
Their  favorite  resorts  are  shady  woods  not  far  from 
water.  Here  they  nest  in  the  outer  branches  of  bushes 
or  trees  at  heights  of  from  four  to  twenty  feet  from 
the  ground.  The  nests  are  shallow  and  composed  of 
twigs  and  moss.  Eggs  creamy  with  brown  spots. 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  Plains,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
to  New  England  and  Manitoba;  winters  in  the  Tropics 


ALDER  FLYCATCHER. 

466a.  Empidonas  trailli  alnorum.  6 inches. 

This  species  is  very  similar  to,  but  larger,  than  the 
well-known  Least  Flycatcher  or  Chebec.  They  are 
found  in  swampy  pastures  or  around  the  edges  of 
ponds  or  lakes,  where  they  nest  in  low  bushes. 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Mississippi,  breeding  from 
New  York  to  New  Brunswick. 

LEAST  FLYCATCHER. 

467.  Empidonax  minimus.  5%  inches. 

Smaller  than  the  last  and  with  the  tail  slightly 
forked.  Common  everywhere  in  orchards,  swamps  or 
along  roadsides.  They  are  very  often  known  by  the 
name  of  “Chebec,”  because  their  notes  resemble  that 
word.  Their  nests  are  placed  in  upright  forks  of  any 
kind  of  trees  or  bushes ; they  are  made  of  plant  fibres  and 
grasses  closely  felted  together.  The  eggs  range  from 
three  to  five  in  number  and  are  creamy  white,  without 
markings;  siza  .65  x .50. 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
middle  U.  S.  north  to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba. 


51 


VERMILION  FLYCATCHER. 

471.  Pyrocephalus  rubinus  mexicanus.  6 inches. 

Female  with  only  a slight  tinge  of  pink,  where  the 
male  is  brilliant  vermilion. 

This  is  the  most  gorgeously  plumaged  species  of  the 
American  Flycatchers.  It  has  all  the  active  traits  of 
the  family  and,  to  those  who  are  only  accustomed  to 
the  demure  gray  plumage  of  most  eastern  species,  the 
first  sight  of  this  one  as  he  dashes  after  an  insect  is 
a sight  never  to  be  forgotten. 

Notes. — During  the  mating  season  the  male  often 
gives  a twittering  song  while  poised  in  the  air,  accom- 
panying it  by  loud  snapping  of  the  mandibles. 

Nest. — Saddled  on  limbs  of  trees  at  low  elevations 
from  the  ground ; composed  of  small  twigs  and  vege- 
table fibres  closely  felted  together  and  often  adorned  on 
the  outside  with  lichens  similar  to  the  nests  of  the  Wood 
Pewee.  The  four  eggs  are  of  a creamy-buff  color  with 
bold  spots  of  brown  and  lilac,  in  a wreath  around  the 
large  end  (.73  x .54). 

Range. — Mexican  border  of  the  United  States,  from 
Texas  to  Arizona. 


HORNED  LARK. 

474.  Otocoris  alpestris.  7%  inches. 

This  variety,  which  is  larger  than  its  sub-species, 
is  only  found  in  the  U.  S.  in  winter,  but  several  of  the 
sub-species  are  residents  in  our  limits.  During  the 
mating  season  they  have  a sweet  song  that  is  uttered  on 
the  wing,  like  that  of  the  Bobolink. 

Notes. — Alarm  note  and  call  a whistled  “tseet,” 
“tseet”;  song  a low,  sweet  and  continued  warble. 

Nest. — A hollow  in  the  ground  lined  with  grass; 
placed  in  fields  and  usually  partially  concealed  by  an 
overhanging  sod  or  stone.  The  three  to  five  eggs  have 
a grayish  ground  color  and  are  profusely  specked  and 
blotched  with  gray  and  brownish  ( .85  x .60 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  in  Labrador  and  about  Hudson  Bay; 
south  in  winter  to  South  Carolina  and  Illinois. 

Sub-species. — 474b.  Prairie  Horned  Lark  (praticola). 
A paler  form  usually  with  the  line  over  the  eye  white^ 
found  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.  474c.  Desert  Horned 
Lark  ( leucolaema ) . Paler  and  less  distinctly  streaked 
above  than  the  Prairie;  found  west  of  the  Mississippi 
and  north  to  Alberta. 


53 


AMERICAN  MAGPIE- 

475*.  Pica  pica  hudsonia.  20  inches. 

This  handsome  member  of  the  Crow  family  is  sure  to 
attract  the  attention  of  all  who  may  see  him.  He  is  very 
pert  in  all  his  actions,  both  in  trees  and  on  the  ground, 
and  is  always  ready  for  mischief.  In  a high  wind  their 
long  tail  often  makes  traveling  a laborious  operation  for 
them,  and  at  such  times  they  usually  remain  quite  quiets 
They  are  very  impudent  and  always  on  the  lookout  for 
something  to  steal;  they  are  also  very  noisy  and  forever 
scolding  and  chattering  among  themselves. 

Notes. — A loud,  harsh  “cack,”  “cack,”  and  an  endless 
variety  of  whistles  and  imitations. 

Nest. — A large,  globular  heap  of  sticks  placed  in 
bushes  or  trees  from  four  to  fifty  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  entrance  to  the  nest  is  on  one  side  and  the  interioi 
is  made  of  grass  and  mud.  The  four  to  six  eggs  are 
white,  thickly  specked  with  yellowish  brown  ( 1.25  x .90  )c 
Range. — Western  North  America,  east  to  the  Plains 
and  north  to  Alaska;  resident. 


54 


BLUE  JAY. 

477.  Cyanocitta  cristata.  11  % inches. 

These  are  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  beautiful 
birds  that  we  have,  but,  unfortunately,  they  have  a very 
bad  reputation.  They  often  rob  other  birds  of  their  eggs 
and  young  as  well  as  food  and  nesting  material.  They  are 
very  active  birds  and  are  always  engaged  in  gathering 
food,  usually  acorns  or  other  nuts,  and  hiding  them  away 
for  future  use. 

Notes. — A two-syllabled  whistle  or  a harsh,  discordant 
scream.  Besides  these  two  common  notes  they  make  an 
endless  variety  of  sounds  mimicking  other  birds. 

Nest. — Of  twigs  and  sticks  in  bushes  or  low  trees, 
preferably  young  pines.  The  four  eggs  are  pale  greenish 
blue  specked  with  brown  ( 1.10  x .80) . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies  from  the  Gulf  to 
Labrador,  resident  in  the  U.  S.  The  Florida  Blue  Jay 
(florincola)  is  smaller  and  has  less  white  on  wings  and 
tail. 


55 


FLORIDA  JAY. 

479.  Aphelocoma  cyanea.  HV2  inches. 

This  Jay  is  locally  distributed  chiefly  in  the  southern 
parts  of  Florida,  being  found  principally  in  scrub  oaks. 
Like  the  Blue  Jay,  their  food  consists  of  animal  matter 
and  some  seeds,  berries  and  acorns.  Their  habits  are 
very  similar  to  those  of  the  northern  bird  and  their  calls 
resemble  those  of  our  bird,  too.  They  are  rather  slow  in 
flight  and  pass  a great  deal  of  their  time  upon  the 
ground. 

Notes. — A “jay,”  “jay,”  similar  to  that  of  the  Blue 
Jay,  and  a great  variety  of  other  calls. 

Nest. — In  the  latter  part  of  March  and  in  April  they 
build  their  flat  nests  of  twigs,  usually  in  bushes  or  scrub 
oaks,  and  lay  three  or  four  greenish-blue  eggs,  with 
brown  spots;  size  1.05x.80. 

Range. — Middle  and  southern  portions  of  Florida, 
chiefly  along  the  coasts. 


GREEN  JAY. 


483.  Xanthoura  luxuosa  glaucescens.  12  inches. 

These  Jays  are  very  beautiful,  and  we  are  sorry  to  have 
co  admit  that,  like  all  the  other  members  of  the  family, 
they  are  merciless  in  their  treatment  of  smaller  birds. 
During  the  summer  their  diet  consists  of  raw  eggs  with 
young  birds  “on  the  side,”  or  vice  versa;  later  they  live 
upon  nuts,  berries,  insects ; in  fact,  anything  that  is 
edible. 

Notes. — Practically  unlimited,  being  imitations  of 
those  of  most  of  the  birds  in  the  vicinity. 

Nest. — Not  easily  found,  as  it  is  usually  concealed  in 
dense  thickets.  The  nests  are  like  those  of  other  Jays, 
loosely  made  of  twigs  and  lined  with  black  rootlets.  The 
four  eggs  that  are  laid  in  May  have  a grayish  ground 
color  and  are  thickly  spotted  with  several  shades  of 
brown  and  lilac.  They  measure  1.05  x .80. 

Range. — Fairly  common  in  the  Lower  Rio  Grande 
Valley  in  southern  Texas. 


57 


CANADA  JAY. 

484.  Perisoreus  canadensis,  ll^  inches. 

These  birds  are  well  known  to  hunters,  trappers  and 
campers  in  the  northern  woods.  They  are  great  fiiends, 
especially  of  the  lumbermen,  as  some  of  the  pranks  that 
they  play  serve  to  enliven  an  otherwise  tedious  day. 
They  seem  to  be  devoid  of  fear  and  enter  camp  and  carry 
off  everything,  edible  or  not,  that  they  can  get  hold  of 
They  are  called  by  guides  and  lumbermen  by  various 
names,  such  as  Whiskey  Jack,  Moose  Bird,  etc. 

Notes. — A harsh  “ca-ca-ca,”  and  various  other  sounds. 

Nest. — Usually  in  coniferous  trees  at  low  elevations; 
made  of  twigs,  moss  and  feathers.  The  three  or  four 
eggs  are  gray,  specked  and  spotted  with  darker  (1.15x 
.80 ) . They  nest  early,  usually  before  the  snow  begins 
to  leave  the  ground  and  often  when  the  mercury  is  below 
zero. 

Range. — Eastern  North  America  from  northern 
United  States  northward.  484c.  Labrador  Jay  (nigri- 
capillus),  which  is  found  in  Labrador,  has  the  black 
on  the  hind  head  deeper  and  extending  forward  around 

the  eye. 


58 


NORTHERN  RAVEN. 

486a.  Corvus  corax  'principalis.  25  inches. 

The  habits  of  all  the  ravens  and  crows  are  identical 
and  are  too  well  known  to  need  mention.  They  are  all 
very  destructive  to  young  birds  and  eggs.  The 
Raven  can  be  known  by  its  large  size,  its  very  large  bill 
and  lanceolate  feathers  on  the  throat.  They  are  found 
in  the  mountains  from  Georgia  and  on  the  coast  from 
Maine  northwards. 

WHITE-NECKED  RAVEN. 

487.  Corvus  cryptoleucus.  18^‘  inches. 

This  species  has  the  bases  of  the  feathers  on  the  back 
of  the  neck  white.  Found  in  southwestern  United  States. 

AMERICAN  CROW. 

488.  Corvus  brachyrhynchos . 19  inches. 

The  common  Crow  of  North  America,  replaced  in 
Florida  by  the  very  similar  Florida  Crow  (pascuus). 

FISH  CROW. 

490.  Corvus  ossifragus.  16  inches. 

This  small  species  is  found  on  the  Atlantic  coast  north 
to  Massachusetts. 


59 


CliARKE  NUTCRACKER. 

491.  Nucifraga  Columbiana.  12%  inches. 

Clarke  Crows  are  found  abundantly  in  all  coniferoub 
forests  on  the  higher  mountains  in  their  range.  They 
are  very  peculiar  birds,  having  some  of  the  traits  of 
Woodpeckers,  but  more  of  those  of  the  Jays. 

They  are  very  active,  very  noisy  and  very  inquisitive, 
sharing  with  the  Rocky  Mountain  Jay  the  names  of 
“Camp  Robber,”  “Moose  Bird,”  etc.  They  are  great 
travellers  and  may,  one  season,  be  absent  where  they 
were  abundant  the  preceding  one. 

Notes. — Various  calls  and  imitations  like  those  of  all 
others  of  the  Jay  family. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  at  high  elevations  on  horizontal 
boughs  of  coniferous  trees.  The  four  eggs  have  a pale 
greenish-gray  ground,  thickly  sprinkled  with  darker 
( 1.25  x. 92). 

Range. — Mountains  of  western  North  America,  casu 
ally  east  to  Kansas. 


60 


STARLING. 

493.  titurnus  vulgaris.  8^  inches. 

Plumage  metallic  green  and  purple,  heavily  spotted 
above  and  below  with  buffy  or  white. 

These  European  birds  were  introduced  into  New  York 
a number  of  years  ago,  and  are  now  common  there  and 
spreading  to  other  localities  in  Connecticut  and  about 
New  York  City.  They  live  about  the  streets  and  in  the 
parks,  building  their  nests  in  crevices  of  buildings  and 
especially  in  the  framework  of  the  elevated  railroads  of 
the  city,  and  less  often  in  trees.  They  lay  from  four  to 
six  pale-blue,  unspotted  eggs  (1.15  x .85).  How  they  will 
affect  other  bird  life,  in  case  they  eventually  become 
common  throughout  the  country,  is  a matter  of  conjec- 
ture, but  from  what  I have  seen  of  them  they  are  quar- 
relsome and  are  masters  of  the  English  Sparrow,  and 
may  continue  their  domineering  tactics  to  the  extent  of 
driving  more  of  our  song  birds  from  the  cities. 


BOBOLINK. 

494.  Dolichonyx  oryztvorus.  7W  inches. 

Bobolinks  are  to  be  found  in  rich  grass  meadows, 
from  whence  their  sweet,  wild  music  is  often  borne  to  us 
by  the  breeze.  While  his  mate  is  feeding  in  the  grass 
or  attending  to  their  domestic  affairs,  Mr.  Bobolink  is 
usually  to  be  found  perched  on  the  tip  of  a tree,  weed 
stalk,  or  even  on  a tall  blade  of  grass,  if  no  other  spot 
of  vantage  is  available,  singing  while  he  stands  guard 
to  see  that  no  enemies  approach.  He  is  a good  watch- 
man and  it  is  a difficult  matter  to  flush  his  mate  from 
the  nest,  for  she  leaves  at  his  first  warning. 

Song. — A wild,  sweet,  rippling  repetition  of  his  name 
with  many  additional  trills  and  notes.  Alarm  note 
a harsh  “chah”  like  that  of  the  Blackbird. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  a hollow  on  the  ground,  in 
meadows.  They  lay  four  to  six  eggs  with  a white  ground 
color,  heavily  spotted,  clouded  and  blotched  with  brown 
( .85  x .62 } . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
New  Jersey  and  Kansas  north  to  Manitoba  and  New 
Brunswick;  winters  in  South  America. 


COWBIRD. 

495.  Molothrus  ater.  7%  inches. 

Male  glossy  greenish  black,  with  a brown  head;  fe- 
male and  young,  dull  gray. 

Groups  of  these  birds  are  often  seen  walking  sedately 
about  among  the  cows  in  the  pasture,  hence  their  name. 
They  are  the  only  birds  that  we  have  that  neither  make 
a nest  of  their  own  nor  .care  for  their  young.  The  fe- 
male slyly  deposits  her  egg  in  the  nest  of  a smaller  bird 
when  the  owner  is  absent,  leaving  further  care  of  it  to 
its  new  owner.  Warblers,  Sparrows  and  Vireos  seem  to 
be  most  imposed  upon  in  this  manner. 

Notes. — A low  “chack,”  and  by  the  male  a liquid,  wiry 
squeak  accompanied  by  a spreading  of  the  wings  and 
tail. 

Range. — U.  S.,  chiefly  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding 
from  the  Gulf  to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick;  win- 
ters in  southern  U.  S.  A sub-species,  the  Dwarf  Cow- 
bird  (obscurus),  is  found  in  southwestern  United  States; 
it  is  slightly  smaller. 


03 


YELLOW-HEADED  BLACKBIRD. 

497.  Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus . 10  inches. 

Male  black,  with  head  and  breast  bright  yellow ; 
female  more  brownish  and  with  head  paler  and  mixed 
with  brown. 

These  handsome  birds  are  common  locally  on  the 
prairies,  frequenting  sloughs  and  extensive  marshes  and 
borders  of  lakes.  They  are  very  sociable  birds  and  breed 
in  large  colonies,  sometimes  composed  of  thousands  of 
birds. 

Notes. — A harsh  “ehack,”  and  what  is  intended  for  a 
song,  consisting  of  numerous,  queer  sounding  squeaks, 
they  being  produced  during  seemingly  painful  contor- 
tions of  the  singer. 

Nest. — Of  rushes  woven  around  upright  canes  over 
water,  m ponds  and  sloughs.  The  nest  is  placed  at  from 
tour  inches  to  two  feet  from  the  water  and  is  quite  deep 
inside.  The  four  to  six  eggs  are  grayish,  profusely 
specked  with  pale  brown  ( 1.00  x. 70). 

Range. — U.  S.,  chiefly  west  of  the  Mississippi,  north 
to  British  Columbia  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  on  south- 
wester  n oorder  of  the  U S. 


RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD. 

498.  Agelaius  phoeniceus.  9%  inches. 

Male  black,  with  scarlet  and  buff  shoulders;  female 
brownish  black  above  and  streaked  below.  Nearly  all 
our  ponds  or  wet  meadows  have  their  pair  or  colony  of 
Blackbirds. 

Note. — A harsh  cack;  a pleasing  liquid  song,  “ conk- 
err-ee,”  given  with  much  bowing  and  spreading  of  the 
wings  and  tail. 

Nest. — Usually  at  low  elevations  in  bushes,  in  swamps 
or  around  the  edges  of  ponds,  or  frequently  on  the 
ground  or  on  hummocks  in  wet  pastures.  The  nest  is 
made  of  woven  grasses  and  rushes,  and  is  usually  partial- 
ly suspended  from  the  rim  when  placed  in  bushes.  The 
three  to  five  eggs  are  bluish  white,  scrawled,  chiefly 
around  the  large  end,  with  blackish  (1.00  x .70). 

Range. — East  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  north  to  Mani- 
toba and  New  Brunswick;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 498b.  Bahaman  Redwing  (bryanti). 
498c.  Florida  Redwing  (floridanus) . 

5 


65 


MEADOWLARK. 


501.  Sturnella  magna.  10%  inches. 

Meadowlarks  are  familiar  friends  of  the  hillside  and 
meadow;  their  clear  fife-like  whistle  is  often  heard, 
while  they  are  perched  on  a fence-post  or  tree-top,  as 
well  as  their  sputtering  alarm  note  when  they  fly  up 
before  us  as  we  cross  the  field. 

Song. — A clear,  fiute-like  “tseeu-tseeer,”  and  a rapid 
sputtering  alarm  note. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  in  fields,  usually 
partially  arched  over.  Three  to  five  white  eggs  specked 
with  brown  (1.1  Ox. 80). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains  and  north  to  south- 
ern Canada;  winters  from  Massachusetts  and  Illinois 
southward. 

Sub-species. — 501.1.  Western  Meadowlark  ( neglecta ) . 
This  race  has  the  yellow  on  the  throat  extended  on  the 
sides;  its  song  is  much  more  brilliant  and  varied  than 
the  eastern  bird.  It  is  found  from  the  Plains  to  the 
Pacific.  501c.  Florida  Meadowlark  (argutula)  is  smaller 
and  darker  than  the  common. 


AUDUBON  ORIOLE. 

503.  Icterus  melanocephalus  audubonii.  9Uj  inches. 

Within  the  United  States,  these  large  Orioles  are 
found  only  in  southern  Texas.  They  are  not  uncommon 
there  and  are  resident.  Their  notes  are  loud,  mellow 
whistles  like  those  of  the  other  Orioles.  Their  nests  are 
semi-pensile  and  usually  placed  in  mesquite  trees  not 
more  than  ten  or  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground. 

SCOTT  ORIOLE. 

504.  Icterus  parisorum.  8 inches. 

These  beautiful  birds  are  found  in  southwestern 
United  States,  from  California  to  western  Texas. 

They  are  said  to  sing  more  freely  than  other  members 
of  the  family,  but  the  song,  while  loud  and  clear,  is  of 
short  duration.  Their  nests,  which  are  semi-pensile,  are 
often  places  in  giant  yucca  trees,  or  in  vines  that  are 
suspended  from  cacti.  The  three  or  four  eggs  are  pale 
blue,  scrawled  and  spotted  with  black  and  lavender 
(.9 5x.65). 


67 


hooded  oriole. 

505.  Icterus  cucullatus  sennetti.  8 inches. 

This  very  brilliantly  plumaged  Oriole  is,  perhaps,  the 
most  abundant  of  the  family  in  southern  Texas.  It  is 
not  as  shy  a bird  as  the  two  preceding  species  and  is 
more  often  found  in  the  neighborhood^'  houses. 

With  the  exception  of  a few  kinds  of  fruits,  their 
food  consists  almost  entirely  of  insects;  all  the  Orioles 
are  regarded  as  among  our  most  beneficial  birds. 

Notes. — A harsher  and  more  grating  whistle  than  that 
of  most  of  the  Orioles. 

Nest. — Usually  in  bunches  of  hanging  moss,  being 
made  by  hollowing  out  and  matting  the  moss  together 
and  lining  it  with  finer  wiry  moss.  Others  are  placed 
in  yucca  trees,  such  nests  being  made  of  the  fiber  of  the 
tree.  Eggs  dull  white,  scrawled  about  the  large  end 
with  black  and  lavender  (.85x.60). 

Range. — Found  only  in  southern  Texas.  A sub- 
species (nelsoni)  is  found  in  New  Mexico,  Arizona  and 
southern  California. 


68 


ORCHARD  ORIOLE. 

506.  Icterus  spurius.  7 % inches. 

Male  chestnut  and  black;  female  dull  yellowish  and 
gray;  young  male,  second  year,  like  female,  but  with 
black  face  and  throat.  These  Orioles  are  usually  found 
in  open  country  and,  as  their  name  suggests,  have  a 
preference  for  orchards.  They  are  also  found  abundantly 
in  shrubbery  along  streams  and  roadsides.  They  feed 
chiefly  upon  worms,  caterpillars,  beetles,  grasshoppers, 
etc.,  and  are  one  of  the  most  beneficial  birds  that  we 
have. 

Song. — A rich,  loud  and  rapid  warble,  cheery  and 
pleasing  but  impossible  to  describe;  a chattering  note  of 
alarm. 

Nest. — A beautiful  basket  of  grasses  woven  into  a 
deeply  cupped  ball  and  situated  in  forks  of  trees  or 
bushes;  often  they  are  made  of  green  grasses.  Four 
to  six  white  eggs,  specked,  scrawled  and  spotted  with 
black  and  brown  ( .80  x .55 ) . 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  Massachusetts  and  Michigan;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


BALTIMORE  ORIOLE. 

507.  Icterus  galbula.  7Ys  inches. 

Male  orange  and  black;  female  dull  yellowish  and 
gray. 

They  are  sociable  birds  and  seem  to  like  the  company 
of  mankind,  for  their  nests  are,  from  choice,  built  as 
near  as  possible  to  houses,  often  being  where  they  can 
be  reached  from  windows.  As  they  use  a great  deal 
of  string  in  the  construction  of  their  nests,  children 
often  get  amusement  by  placing  bright-colored  pieces 
of  yarn  where  the  birds  will  get  them,  and  watch  them 
weave  them  into  their  homes. 

Song. — A clear,  querulous,  varied  whistle  or  warble; 
call,  a plaintive  whistle. 

Nest.— A pensile  structure,  often  hanging  eight  or  ten 
inches  below  the  supporting  rim,  and  swaying  to  and 
fro  with  every  breeze.  They  lay  five  or  six  white  eggs, 
curiously  scrawled  with  blackish  brown  (.90  x .60). 

Range.— N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies  and  breeding  north 
to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba.  Winters  in  Central 
America. 


70 


KUSTY  BLACKBIRD. 

510.  Euphagus  carolinus.  9Uj  inches. 

Male  glossy  black ; female  grayish ; both  sexes  in 
winter  with  most  of  the  head  and  breast  feathers  tipped 
with  rusty.  In  the  United  States  we  know  these  birds 
chiefly  as  emigrants;  but  a few  of  them  remain  to  breed 
in  the  Northern  parts.  Their  songs  are  rather  squeaky 
efforts,  but  still  not  unmusical.  These  birds  are  found 
east  of  the  Rockies. 

BREWER  BLACKBIRD. 

510.  Eupliagus  cyaneocephalus.  10  inches. 

Male  with  a glossy  purplish  head  and  greenish-black 
body;  female  grayish  brown.  This  is  the  Western  rep- 
resentative of  the  preceding;  it  is  most  abundant  west 
of  the  Rockies,  but  is  also  found  on  the  Plains.  Its  dis- 
tribution is  not  so  northerly  and  it  nests  commonly  in 
its  United  States  range.  Their  eggs  are  whitish,  very 
profusely  spotted  and  blotched  with  various  shades  of 
brown  (l.x.75). 


71 


PURPLE  GRACKLE. 

511.  Quiscalus  quiscula.  12  inches. 

Male  with  purple  head  and  greenish  back ; female 
brownish  gray.  All  the  Grackles  are  very  similar  in 
appearance,  the  colors  varying  with  different  individuals 
of  the  same  species.  Their  habits  are  alike,  too,  and  I 
consider  them  one  of  the  most  destructive  of  our  birds. 

Notes. — A harsh  “tchack,”  and  a squeaky  song. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  twigs,  usually  in  pines  in  the 
North  and  bushes  in  the  South.  Four  eggs,  pale  bluish 
gray  with  black  scrawls  (1.10  x .80). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Mass. 

Sub-species. — 511a.  Florida  Grackle  (aglseusj  , 

slightly  smaller.  511b.  Bronzed  Grackle  (aeneus,  with 
a purple  head  and  usually  a brassy  back.  Eastern  U.  S., 
breeding  north  to  Labrador  and  Manitoba. 

BOAT-TAILED  GRACKLE. 

513.  Megaquiscalus  major.  15  inches. 

Similar  in  color  to  the  last  but  much  larger,  and  hav- 
ing the  same  habits.  Eggs  also  larger  (1.25  x .95). 
Southeastern  U.  S.  The  Great-tailed  Grackle  (ma- 
crourus),  found  in  Texas,  is  still  larger. 


EVENING  GROSBEAK, 

514.  Eesperiphona  vespertinci.  8 inches. 

Female  paler  and  with  white  on  upper  tail  coverts. 
As  would  be  judged  from  the  large  bills  that  these 
birds  have,  their  food  consists  almost  entirely  of  seeds, 
with  occasionally  a few  berries  and  perhaps  insects. 
Ln  certain  localities  they  are  not  uncommon,  but,  ex- 
cept in  winter,  they  are  rare  anywhere  in  the  U.  S. 
and  east  of  the  Mississippi  they  can  only  be  regarded 
as  accidental  even  in  winter.  They  have  been  taken 
several  times  in  Massachusetts.  In  winter  they  usu- 
ally travel  about  in  small  bands,  visiting  localities 
where  the  food  supply  is  the  most  abundant. 

Song. — A clear  Robin-like  whistle ; call,  a short 
whistle. 

Nest. — A flat  structure  of  twigs  and  rootlets  placed 
at  low  elevations  in  trees  or  bushes.  Four  eggs,  green- 
ish white,  spotted  with  brown  (.90  x .65). 

Range. — Breeds  in  mountains  of  western  British 
America  and  northwestern  U.  S.  South  and  east  in 
winter  to  the  Mississippi  and  rarely  farther. 


PINE  GROSBEAK. 


515.  Pinicola  enucleator  leucura.  8%  inches. 

Male  rosy  red;  female  gray  and  yellowish. 

These  pretty  birds  visit  us  every  winter,  coming 
from  Canada  and  northern  New  England,  where  they 
are  found  in  summer.  They  are  very  fearless  birds  and 
might  almost  be  regarded  as  stupid;  when  they  are 
feeding  you  can  easily  approach  within  a few  feet  of 
them,  and  tney  have  often  been  caught  in  butterfly 
nets.  They  may,  at  times,  be  found  in  any  kind  of  trees 
or  woods,  but  they  show  a preference  for  small  growth 
pines,  where  they  feed  upon  the  seeds  and  upon  seeds 
of  weeds  that  project  above  the  snow. 

Song. — A low  sweet  warble;  call,  a clear,  repeated 
whistle. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees,  of  twigs,  rootlets  and 
strips  of  bark ; eggs  three  to  four  in  number,  greenish 
blue  spotted  with  brown  and  lilac  (1.00  x .70). 

Range. — Breeds  in  eastern  British  America  and  north- 
ern New  England;  winters  south  to  New  York  and 
Ohio.  Several  sub-species  are  found  west  of  the  Rockies, 


PURPLE  FINCH. 

517.  Carpodacus  purpureus.  G1/^  inches. 

Male  dull  rosy  red;  female  streaked  brownish  gray. 

These  beautiful  songsters  are  common  in  the  north- 
ern tier  of  states  and  in  Canada.  In  spring  the  males 
are  usually  seen  on,  or  heard  from,  tree  tops  in 
orchards  or  parks,  giving  forth  their  glad  carols.  They 
are  especially  musical  in  spring  when  the  snow  is  just 
leaving  the  ground  and  the  air  is  bracing.  After  fam- 
ily cares  come  upon  them,  they  are  quite  silent,  the 
male  only  occasionally  indulging  in  a burst  of  song. 

Song. — A loud,  long-continued  and  very  sweet  warble ; 
call,  a querulous  whistle. 

Nest. — Of  strips  of  bark,  twigs,  rootlets  and  grasses, 
placed  at  any  height  in  evergreens  or  orchard  trees. 
The  eggs  resemble,  somewhat,  large  specimens  of  those 
of  the  Chipping  Sparrow.  They  are  three  or  four  in 
number  and  are  greenish  blue  with  strong  blackish 
specks  (.85  x .65). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
Pennsylvania  and  Illinois  northward;  winters  through- 
out the  United  States. 


AMERICAN  CROSSBILL. 

521.  Loxia  curvirostra  minor.  6 inches. 

These  curious  creatures  appear  in  flocks  on  the  out- 
skirts of  our  cities  every  winter,  where  they  will  be 
found  almost  exclusively  in  coniferous  trees.  They 
cling  to  the  cones,  upon  which  they  are  feeding,  in 
every  conceivable  attitude,  and  a shower  of  seeds  and 
broken  cones  rattling  through  the  branches  below  shows 
that  they  are  busily  working.  They  are  very  eccentric 
birds  and  the  whole  flock  often  takes  flight,  without  ap- 
parent cause,  only  to  circle  about  again  to  the  same 
trees.  The  flute-like  whistle  that  they  utter  when  in 
flight  sounds  quite  pleasing  when  coming  from  all  the 
individuals  in  the  flock. 

Song. — A low  twittering;  call,  a short,  flute-like 
whistle. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees,  of  spruce  twigs,  shreds 
of  bark  and  some  moss  or  grass.  The  three  or  four 
eggs  are  greenish  white  spotted  with  brown  (.75  x .55). 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  New  England  north- 
ward and  westward,  and  south  in  mountains  to  Georgia; 
winters  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


WHITE- WINGED  CROSSBILL. 

522.  Loxia  leucoptera.  6 inches. 

Male,  rosy;  female,  with  yellowish. 

This  species  seems  to  be  of  a more  roving  dispo- 
sition, and  even  more  eccentric  than  the  last.  They 
are  not  nearly  as  common  and  are  usually  seen  in 
smaller  flocks;  occasionally  one  or  two  individuals  of 
this  species  will  be  found  with  a flock  of  the  American 
Crossbills,  but  they  usually  keep  by  themselves.  While 
they  may  be  seen  in  a certain  locality  one  season,  they 
may  be  absent  for  several  seasons  after,  for  some  rea- 
son or  other.  They  feed  upon  the  seeds  of  pine  cones, 
prying  the  cones  open  with  their  peculiar  bills. 

Notes. — Do  not  differ  appreciably  from  those  of  the 
last. 

Nest. — The  nesting  habits  of  this  species  are  like 
those  of  the  last,  but  the  eggs  differ  in  being  slightly 
larger  and  in  having  the  markings  of  a more  blotchy 
character  (.80  x .55). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  parts  of  the 
northern  tier  of  states  northward.  Winters  in  the  north- 
ern half  of  the  U.  S. 


GRAY-CROWNED  LEUCOSTICTE. 

524.  Leucosticte  tephrocotis.  6^  inches. 

Female  similar  to,  but  duller  colored  than  the  male. 

All  the  members  of  this  genus  are  western  and 
northern,  this  one  only  being  found  east  of  the  Rockies 
and  then  only  in  winter,  when  it  occasionally  is  found 
east  of  the  Mississippi.  They  wander  about  in  rocky 
mountainous  regions,  feeding  upon  seeds  and  berries. 
They  are  very  restless  and  stop  in  a place  but  a short 
time  before  flying  swiftly  away,  in  a compact  flock, 
to  another  feeding  ground. 

Note. — An  alarm  note  of  a short,  quick  whistle. 

Nest. — Built  on  the  ground,  usually  beside  a rock  or 
in  a crevice;  composed  of  weeds  and  grass,  lined  with 
finer  grass.  They  lay  three  or  four  unmarked  white 
eggs  in  June. 

Range.— Western  U.  S.,  breeding  in  the  higher  moun 
tain  ranges;  in  winter  sometimes  wandering  east  to 
the  Mississippi. 


78 


REDPOLL. 

528.  Acanthis  linaria.  inches. 

Male  with  a rosy  breast;  female  without. 

In  winter  these  northern  birds  may  be  found  in  flocks 
gathering  seeds  from  weeds  by  the  roadside  and  stone 
walls.  Their  actions  greatly  resemble  those  of  our 
Goldfinch,  but  their  flight  is  more  rapid. 

Song. — Strong,  sweet  and  canary-like. 

Nest. — At  low  elevations  in  bushes  or  trees;  eggs 
three  to  five,  pale  greenish  blue  with  brown  specks. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  extreme  north ; winters  south 
to  northern  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 528a.  Holboell  Redpoll  (holboelli), 
slightly  larger.  528b.  Greater  Redpoll  (rostrata), 
larger  and  darker. 

GREENLAND  REDPOLL. 

527.  Acanthis  hornemannii.  6 inches. 

A larger  and  much  whiter  species  found  in  Green- 
land and  migrating  to  Labrador  in  winter.  527b. 
Hoary  Redpoll  (exilipes),  smaller  and  darker,  but  still 
lighter  than  the  Redpoll;  winters  south  to  Massachusetts. 


AMERICAN  GOLDFINCH. 

529.  Astragalinus  tristis.  5t4  inches. 

These  beautiful  little  creatures  are  often  known  as 
Thistle-birds  and  Wild  Canaries,  the  former  name  be- 
cause they  are  often  seen  on  thistles,  from  the  down  of 
which  their  nests  are  largely  made,  and  the  latter  name 
because  of  the  sweet  canary-like  song.  Their  flight  is 
a peculiar  series  of  undulations  accompanied  by  an  in- 
termittent twitter.  They  are  very  sociable  and  breed 
usually  in  communities  as  well  as  travel  in  flocks  in 
the  winter.  Their  food  is  chiefly  of  seeds  and  they 
often  come  to  gardens  in  fall  and  winter  to  partake  of 
sunflower  seeds,  these  flowers  often  being  raised  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  furnishing  food  for  the  finches  in  the 
winter. 

Song. — Sweet,  prolonged  and  canary-like;  call,  a 
musical  “tcheer,”  and  a twittering  in  flight. 

Nest. — Of  thistle  down,  plant  fibres  and  grasses,  in 
forks  of  bushes,  most  often  willows  or  alders  near 
water.  Four  or  five  unmarked,  pale  bluish  eggs. 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies;  breeds  from  Vir 
ginia  and  Missouri  north  to  Labrador ; winters  in  U.  S. 


WESTERN  GOLDFINCH. 


530.  Astragalinus  psaltria.  4%  inches. 

Cap,  wings  and  tail  black;  sides  of  head  and  back 
greenish.  Female  much  duller  and  with  no  black  in  the 
crown.  These  little  Goldfinches  are  very  abundant 
throughout  the  West.  Their  flight  is  undulatory  like 
that  of  the  preceding,  and  all  their  habits  are  very  sim- 
ilar. They  spend  the  winter  in  bands,  roving  about  the 
country,  feeding  on  weed  seeds;  in  summer  they  repair, 
either  in  small  bands  or  by  single  pairs,  to  the  edges 
of  swamps  or  woodland  near  water,  where  they  construct 
their  compact  homes  in  the  forks  of  bushes.  Their  eggs 
are  pale  blue  like  those  of  the  American  Goldfinch,  but 
of  course  are  much  smaller  (.62  x .45).  They  are  laid  in 
May  or  June,  or  even  earlier  in  the  western  portions  of 
their  range. 

Song. — Sweet  and  musical,  almost  like  that  of  the 
last  species. 

Range. — Western  United  States  from  the  Plains  to 
the  Pacific,  being  abundant  west  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. 

6 


PINE  FINCH  OP  SISKIN. 

533.  Spinus  pinus.  5 inches. 

These  are  also  northern  birds,  being  found  in  the  U. 
S.,  with  the  exception  of  the  extreme  northern  parts, 
only  in  winter  and  early  spring.  Their  habits  are  just 
like  those  of  the  Goldfinches,  for  which  species  they  are 
often  mistaken,  as  the  latter  are  dull-colored  in  winter. 
Their  song  and  call-notes  are  like  those  of  the  Gold- 
finch, but  have  a slight  nasal  twang  that  will  identify 
them  at  a distance,  after  becoming  accustomed  to  it. 
They  are  often  seen  hanging  head  downward  from  the 
ends  of  branches  as  they  feed  upon  the  seeds  or  buds, 
and  when  thus  engaged  they  are  very  tame. 

Song. — Quite  similar  to  that  of  the  Goldfinch. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees  at  any  elevation  from  the 
ground.  Tney  are  made  of  rootlets  and  grasses,  lined 
witi  pine  needles  and  hair;  the  three  to  five  eggs  are 
greenish  white,  specked  with  reddish  brown  (.65  x .45). 

Bange. — North  America,  breeding  northward  from 
the  northern  boundary  of  the  U.  S.  and  farther  south 
in  mountain  ranges;  winters  throughout  the  U.  S. 


82 


SNOWFLAKE. 

534.  Plectrophenax  nivalis.  7 inches. 

Adults  in  summer  black  and  white;  in  winter,  washed 
with  brownish. 

When  winter  storms  sweep  across  our  land,  these 
birds  blow  in  like  true  snowflakes,  settling  down  upon 
hillsides  and  feeding  upon  seeds  from  the  weed  stalks 
that  are  sure  to  be  found  above  the  snow  somewhere. 
They  are  usually  found  in  large  flocks,  and  are  very 
restless,  starting  up,  as  one  bird,  at  the  slightest  noise, 
or  continually  wheeling  about  from  one  hill  to  another, 
of  their  own  accord. 

Song. — A low  twittering  while  feeding  and  a short 
whistle  when  in  flight. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  moss  lined  with  feathers  and 
sunk  in  the  spagnum  moss  with  which  much  of  Arctic 
America  is  covered.  Three  to  five  eggs,  pale  greenish 
white,  specked  with  brown.  Size  .90  x .65. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay 
northward;  winters  in  northern  United  States. 


83 


LAPLAND  LONGSPUR. 

536.  Calcarius  lapponicus.  G1/^  inches. 

Male  in  summer  with  black  crown  and  throat,  and 
chestnut  nape;  female  similar  but  duller;  winter  plu- 
mage, with  feathers  of  head  and  neck  tipped  with 
grayish  so  as  to  conceal  the  bright  markings. 

As  indicated  by  its  name,  this  is  a Northern  species, 
which  spends  the  cold  months  in  northern  U.  S.,  trav- 
eling in  flocks  and  resting  and  feeding  on  side  hills, 
often  with  Snowflakes,  or  on  lower  ground  with  Horned 
Larks. 

Song. — A sweet  trill  or  warble,  frequently  given 
while  in  flight;  call,  a sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Of  mosses,  grasses  and  feathers  placed  on  the 
ground  in  tussocks  or  on  grassy  hummocks.  In  June 
and  July  they  lay  from  four  to  six  eggs  having  a gray- 
ish ground  color,  which  is  nearly  obscured  by  the 
numerous  blotches  of  brown  and  lavender  ( .80  x .60 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  northward  and  win- 
ters south  to  South  Carolina  and  Texas.  A sub-species 
is  found  in  the  West. 


84 


SMITH  LONGSPUR. 

537.  Calcai'ins  pictus.  Q1/^  inches. 

Male  in  summer  with  the  underparts  huffy  and  sides 
of  head  marked  with  black;  female,  and  male  in  winter, 
much  duller  with  all  bright  markings  covered  with  a 
brownish-gray  wash. 

Like  the  last  species,  these  are  Arctic  birds  found, 
in  winter,  on  the  plains  and  prairies  of  middle  U.  S. 
They  are  rarely  found  within  our  limits  when  in  their 
beautiful  spring  plumage.  They  are  most  always  found 
in  company  with  the  following  species  feeding  upon 
seeds,  buds  and  small  berries. 

Song. — A sweet  warble  rarely  heard  in  the  United 
States;  a clear  “cheer-up”  constantly  uttered  while  on 
the  wing. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  weeds  and  moss,  lined  with 
feathers;  located  on  the  ground  in  similar  locations  to 
those  of  the  last  species.  The  four  or  five  eggs  are 
similar  to  those  of  the  last  but  lighter  (.80  x .GO). 

Range. — Breeds  about  Hudson  Bay  and  northward; 
winters  in  middle  United  States. 


S5 


CHESTNUT-COLLARED  LONGSPUR. 

538.  Calcarius  ornatus.  inches. 

Male  in  summer  with  a black  breast  and  crown,  and 
chestnut  nape ; female,  and  male  in  winter,  much  duller 
and  with  all  bright  markings  covered  with  grayish. 

Unlike  the  preceding  Longspurs,  these  are  constant 
residents  in  the  greater  part  of  the  Western  Plains,  in 
some  localities  being  classed  as  one  of  the  most  abun- 
dant birds.  They  have  a short,  sweet  song  that,  in 
springtime,  is  frequently  given  as  the  bird  mounts  into 
the  air  after  the  fashion  of  the  Horned  Larks.  They 
commonly  feed  about  ploughed  fields,  along  the  edges 
of  which  they  build  their  nests. 

Song1. — A short,  sweet  trill ; alarm  note  a sharp  chip, 
and  call  note  a more  musical  chirp. 

Nest. — Of  fine  grasses,  placed  on  the  ground  in  open 
prairies  or  along  the  edges  of  cultivated  fields,  often 
being  concealed  beside  a tussock ; their  four  or  five 
eggs  are  clay  color  marked  with  reddish  brown  and 
lavender  (.75  x .55). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Great  Plains  from  Kansas 
and  Colorado  north  to  Manitoba;  winters  south  to 
Mexico. 


M’COWN  LONGSPUR. 

539.  Rhynchophanes  mccownii.  6 inches- 

Male  with  a black  crown  and  patch  on  breast,  and 
chestnut  shoulders;  female,  and  male  in  winter,  dull 
colored  with  all  bright  markings  obscured  by  brownish 
gray. 

These  are  also  common  birds  on  the  plains  of  middle 
U.  S.,  but  perhaps  not  so  much  so  as  the  last  species, 
with  which  species  they  are  often  found  breeding. 
These  finches  show  their  close  relationship  to  the 
famous  Skylark  of  Europe  by  frequently  indulging  in 
the  same  practice  of  soaring  aloft  and  descending  on 
set  wings,  rapturously  uttering  their  sweet  song. 

Song. — A shrill,  twittering  warble;  call  a musical 
chirp. 

Nest. — A neat  cup  of  grasses  in  a hollow  in  the 
ground  on  prairies  or  in  fields.  Their  four  to  six  eggs 
are  dull  whitish  clouded  with  brownish,  the  marking 
not  being  as  distinct  as  in  those  of  the  last  species 
(.75  x .55). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Great  Plains  from  Kansas 
north  to  Saskatchewan;  winters  south  to  Mexico.. 


ENGLISH  SPARROW. 

***  Passer  domesticus.  6W  inches. 

These  street  urchins  were  introduced  into  our  coun- 
try from  Europe  about  1850,  and  have  since  multiplied 
and  spread  out  so  that  they  now  are  found  in  all  parts 
of  our  land  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  Hereto- 
fore they  have  confined  themselves  chiefly  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  the  larger  cities  and  towns,  but  it  is 
now  noted  with  alarm  that  they  are  apparently  spread- 
ing out  into  the  surrounding  country.  They  are  very 
hardy  creatures,  able  to  stand  our  most  rigorous  winters. 
They  are  fighters  and  bullies  from  the  time  they  leave 
the  egg,  and  few  of  our  native  birds  will  attempt  to  live 
in  the  neighborhood  with  them. 

Notes. — A harsh,  discordant  sound,  which  they  com- 
mence early  in  the  morning  and  continue  until  night. 

Nest. — Of  straw  and  rubbish  piled  behind  blinds,  in 
the  tops  of  electric  lights  or  crevices  of  buildings,  and 
sometimes  large,  unsightly  heaps  of  straw  in  trees. 
They  raise  three  or  four  broods  a year  and  in  all  sea- 
sons; five  to  seven  whitish  eggs  scratched  with  black. 

Range. — Whole  of  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada. 


88 


VESPER  SPARROW. 

540.  Pooecetes  gramineus.  6 inches. 

The  chestnut  shoulders  and  white  outer  tail  feathers 
distinguish  this  from  any  other  of  our  Sparrows. 

The  name  Vesper  Sparrow  is  given  this  bird  because 
of  its  habit  of  tuning  up  along  towards  evening;  it  is 
perhaps  more  often  known  as  the  “Bay-winged  Sparrow” 
or  “Grass  Finch.” 

They  are  found  chiefly  in  dry  pastures  or  along  dusty 
roadsides,  where  they  start  from  the  ground  in  front  of 
us,  their  white  tail  feathers  showing  prominently  as  they 
fly,  so  that  there  will  be  no  mistake  as  to  their  identity. 

Song. — A clear,  ascending  series  of  whistles,  given 
from  a fence  post  or  bush  top;  call,  a sharp  chirp. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  weedy  fields  or  pastures;  four  or 
five  whitish  eggs  marked  and  blotched  with  brownish 
(.80  x .60) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.  from  Virginia  to  southern 
Canada;  winters  in  southern  U.  S.  The  similar  Western 
Vesper  Sparrow  (confinis)  is  found  from  the  Plains  to 
the  Pacific  coast  ranges. 


80 


IPSWICH  SPARROW. 

541.  Passerculus  princeps.  6%  inches. 

This  species  is  larger  and  paler  colored,  but  very  sim- 
ilar to  the  more  common  and  better  known  Savanna 
Sparrow.  Its  habits  are  the  same.  It  breeds  on  Sable 
Island,  Nova  Scotia,  and  winters  along  the  Atlantic 
coast  to  Virginia. 

SAVANNAH  SPARROW. 

542a.  Passerculus  sandivichensis  savanna.  5%  inches. 

Breast  and  sides  streaked  with  brownish,  and  yellow 
before  the  eye  and  also  on  bend  of  wing. 

These  finches  are  very  abundant  in  eastern  U.  S. 
during  migrations  and  a few  remain  in  the  northern 
parts  through  the  summer. 

Song. — A weak  trill  or  twitter;  a short  chip. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  hollows  in  the  ground  and  con- 
cealed by  grass  or  weeds.  The  four  grayish  eggs  are 
spotted  with  brown  (.7 5x.55). 

Range. — Winters  in  southern  U.  S.;  breeds  from 
northern  U.  S.  northward.  542b.  Western  Savanna 
Sparrow  (alaudinus)  is  found  from  the  Plains  west  to 
the  coast  ranges.  It  is  slightly  paler. 


BAIRD  SrAK. ROW. 

545.  Ammodramus  bairdi.  5%  inches. 

Crown  and  nape  brownish  yellow  streaked  with  black; 
underparts  white  streaked  on  the  throat,  breast  and 
sides  with  blackish;  tail  slightly  forked  and  the  feathers 
pointed. 

In  summer  the  western  plains  and  prairie  ring  with 
the  tinkling  songs  of  these  little  Sparrows;  they  are 
especially  abundant  in  Dakota  and  Montana. 

GRASSHOPPER  SPARROW. 

546.  Ammodramus  savanna, rum  australis.  5V2  inches. 

Crown  blackish  with  a central  buffy  stripe;  nape 
brown  and  gray;  sides  of  head,  breast  and  flanks,  buffy 
without  streaks. 

Song. — A weak,  insect-like  “zee-e-e-e-e.” 

Nest. — A grass-lined  hollow  in  a field,  with  the  top 
arched  over  so  as  to  keep  off  the  sun  and  conceal  the 
eggs.  In  June  four  or  five  white,  brown-specked  eggs 
are  laid  ( .75  x .55) . 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies;  winters  in  south- 
ern U.  S. 

546b.  Florida  Grasshopper  Sparrow  ( floridanus) , a 
darker  race  found  on  the  plains  of  interior  Florida. 


HENSLOW  SPARROW. 

547.  Passerherbulus  henslowii.  5 inches. 

Crown  and  nape  greenish,  streaked  with  black;  breast 

and  sides  buffy,  streaked  with  black;  tail  feathers  nar- 
row and  pointed. 

This  species  is  of  a more  southern  distribution  than 
the  last,  being  rarely  found  in  New  England,  but  quite 
common  in  favorable  localities  south  of  Virginia. 

LECONTE  SPARROW. 

548.  Passerherbulus  lecontei.  5 inches. 

Hind  head  chestnut  and  gray;  sides  of  head,  throat 
breast  and  flanks  a rich  buff  color. 

Song. — A grasshopper-like  squeaking. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  hollows  of  the  ground  on 
prairies;  eggs  greenish  white  thickly  specked  with 
brownisn  (.65x.50). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Great  Plains  from  Dakota  to 
Manitoba,  and  winters  southeastward  to  the  South  At- 
lantic and  Gulf  States. 


92 


SHARP-TAILED  SPARROW. 

549.  Passerherbulus  caudacutus.  5%  inches. 

Back  of  head  greenish;  sides  of  head,  breast  and 
Hanks  buff  with  black  streaks;  tail  feathers  sharp. 

Salt  marshes  along  the  seacoast  or  along  streams 
emptying  into  the  ocean  are  the  dwelling  places  of  these 
finches.  Ihey  creep  about  like  mice  in  the  salt  grass, 
now  running  across  an  open  space,  now  threading  their 
way  through  the  upright  stalks. 

Song. — A rather  weak,  squeaky  trill. 

Nest. — Of  seaweed  and  marsh  grass,  attached  to  the 
grass  stalks  several  inches  above  ground  and  often  cov- 
ered by  a mass  of  dry  seaweed.  Eggs  greenish  white 
specked  with  brown  ( .78  x .56 ) . 

Range. — Atlantic  coast  of  the  U.  S. 

NELSON  SPARROW. 

549a.  Passerherbulus  nelsoni.  5V2  inches. 

Similar  to  the  last  but  brighter  colored  and  not 
streaked  below.  In  the  Mississippi  Valley  north  to  Man- 
itoba. 549a.  Acadian  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow  ( sub-vir- 
gatus),  Atlantic  coast,  breeding  from  Maine  to  New 
Brunswick. 


SEASIDE  SPARROW. 

550.  Passerherbulus  maritimus.  6 inches. 

Yellow  spot  before  the  eye.  General  plumage  a.ove 

grayish  green  with  no  black  markings.  All  the  habits 
of  the  Seaside  Sparrows  are  precisely  like  those  of  the 
Sharp-tailed  Sparrows.  I he  nests  and  eggs  are  indis- 
tinguishable and  are  often  found  in  the  same  marshes. 

Sub-species. — 550a.  Scott  Seaside  Sparrow  (penin- 
sula ) , slightly  smaller  and  with  the  back  marked  with 
black  and  brownish  green;  South  Atlantic  coast.  550b. 
Texas  Seaside  Sparrow  (sennetti),  greener  above  than 
No.  550;  coast  of  Texas.  550c.  Fisher  Seaside  Sparrow 
(fisheri),  darker  above  than  scotti  and  with  the  breast 
and  sides  heavily  washed  with  rusty  and  streaked  with 
black;  coast  of  Louisiana.  550d.  Macgillivray  Seaside 
Sparrow  (macgillivrayii) , coast  of  South  Carolina. 

DUSKY  SEASIDE  SPARROW. 

551.  Passerherbulus  nigrescens.  6 inches. 

Darkest  of  the  Seaside  Sparrows.  Found  only  in 

marshes  at  head  of  Indian  River,  Florida. 


94 


LARK  SPARROW. 

552.  Chondestes  grammacus.  6^4  inches. 

These  handsome  sparrows  are  very  abundant  in  the 
Mississippi  Valley;  their  favorite  resorts  are  fields, 
pastures  and  prairie  lands,  or  along  dusty  roadsides. 
Their  song  is  one  of  the  sweetest  of  any  of  the  Spar- 
rows, and  is  freely  given  throughout  the  summer. 

Song. — A hurried  gush  of  silvery  tremulous  notes. 

Nest. — Sometimes  in  bushes  but  usually  on  the 
ground;  of  grasses  arranged  in  a hollow  to  form  a little 
cup,  and  usually  concealed  under  a tuft  of  grass  or 
bunch  of  clover.  The  birds  usually  run  some  distance 
from  the  nest  before  flying,  so  that  they  are  quite  hard 
to  find.  They  lay  three  to  five  eggs,  white,  speckeu 
and  scrawled  sparingly  with  blackish  (.80  x .00.), 
wholly  different  from  those  of  any  other  Sparrow. 

Range. — Mississippi  Valley,  breeding  from  Texas  to 
Manitoba;  winters  in  southern  U.  S.  and  Mexico. 

Sub-species. — 552a.  Western  Lark  Sparrow  (striga- 
tus)  is  slightly  paler  and  less  heavily  marked;  found 
from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific. 


95 


HARRIS  SPARROW. 

553.  Zonotrichia  querula.  7%  inches. 

Adults  in  summer  with  the  crown,  face  and  throat 
black;  in  winter  with  the  black  areas  mottled  with 
gray. 

This  species  is  one  of  the  largest  of  the  Sparrows.  It 
is  found  abundantly  on  the  prairies  during  migrations, 
but  about  nesting  time  they  all  seem  to  disappear  and 
no  one  has,  as  yet,  been  able  to  locate  their  exact 
breeding  range.  It  is  supposed  to  be  among  some  of 
the  foothills  of  North  Dakota  and  northward  through 
Manitoba  and  Saskatchewan,  as  they  have  been  found 
during  the  summer  in  all  these  localities.  Nests  sup- 
posed to  belong  to  this  species  have  been  found,  but 
they  lack  positive  identification. 

Song. — A series  of  musical,  piping  whistles. 

Nest. — Supposed  to  be  of  grass  and  bark,  a few 
inches  above  the  ground  in  weed  stalks  or  small  shrubs; 
eggs  whitish,  thickly  spotted  with  brown  (.95  x .65). 

Range. — Interior  U.  S.  from  Texas  (in  winter)  north 
through  the  Plains  and  Mississippi  to  Manitoba. 


96 


WHITE-CROWNED  SPARROW. 

554.  Zonotrichia  leucophrys.  7 inches. 

Adults  with  a white  crown  bordered  by  black,  the 
black  covering  the  lores  or  space  before  the  eye  ( the 
sub-species  found  west  of  the  Rockies  have  the  lores 
white ) . 

We  know  these  birds  in  the  U.  S.,  except  in  moun- 
tain ranges  or  in  the  extreme  northern  parts,  only  as 

migrants,  they  then  being  found  in  brushy  wood  lots  or 
along  roadsides.  In  the  north  they  are  found  in  deep- 
ly wooded  ravines  and  on  side  hills.  While  with  us 
they  rarely  if  ever  sing,  but  in  their  summer  home 

they  have  a clear  tinkling  song  like  that  of  the  White- 

throated  Sparrow,  with  which  we  see  them  associated 
here. 

Song. — A clear,  sweet,  piping  “see-dee-dee-dee-de-e ■/' 
call  note  a sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground  under  patches  of  brush 
or  bushes.  The  four  or  five  eggs  are  whitish  profusely 
spotted  with  brown  (.90  x .63). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  north- 
ward and  in  high  ranges  south  to  Mexico, 

7 


WHITE-THROATED  SPARROW. 

558.  Zonotrichia  albicollis.  6 % inches. 

In  thick  underbrush,  we  hear  these  birds  scratching 
about  among  the  leaves;  occasionally  one  of  them  will 
hop  up  on  a twig  and  give  his  clear  peabody  song,  or, 
hearing  or  seeing  you,  give  a sharp  chirp  and  dash  out 
of  sight  again.  They  are  birds  of  the  ground,  always 
busy  and  always  happy.  I think  that  without  any  ex- 
ception, they  are  the  handsomest  of  our  Sparrows,  their 
colors  are  so  rich  and  harmonize  and  blend  together  sc 
well. 

Song. — A high-pitched,  very  clear  and  sweet  whistle, 
“pea-bo-dy-bird.”  Call  and  note  of  alarm,  a metallic 
chirp. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground  on  the  borders  of 
woods  or  in  swamps;  of  grass  and  leaves,  similar  to, 
but  larger,  than  that  of  the  Song  Sparrow.  Four  or 
five  eggs,  pale  greenish  blue,  thickly  spotted  with 
brown  (.85  x .63 ) . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
northern  U.  S.  to  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters 
in  the  southern  half  of  U.  S. 


98 


TREE  SPARROW. 

559.  Spizella  monticola.  6^  inches. 

A blackish -brown  spot  in  middle  of  breast;  crown 
reddish  brown  with  no  black  about  the  head;  back  and 
wings  with  considerable  brown. 

These  Sparrows  are  summer  residents  of  the  Arctic 
region,  passing  the  winter  in  the  northern  half  of  the 
U.  S.  They  bear  considerable  resemblance  to  our  com- 
mon Chipping  Sparrow,  but  are  larger  and  have  char- 
acteristic markings  as  noted  above.  They  appear  in 
the  U.  S.  in  October  and  many  of  them  pass  the  win- 
ter in  the  fields  and  gardens  in  our  northern  states. 

Note. — A musical  chirp;  song,  strong,  sweet  and 
musical  and  ending  in  a low  warble. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground,  but  sometimes  at  low 
elevations  in  bushes.  Eggs  pale  greenish  blue  with 
brown  specks  over  the  whole  surface,  thus  being  very 
different  from  those  of  the  Chipping  Sparrow  (.80  x .00). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  in  Labra- 
dor and  about  Hudson  Bay;  winters  in  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  A sub-species,  559a.  Western  Tree  Spar- 
row (ochracea)  is  paler;  it  is  found  from  the  Plains  to 
the  Pacific,  breeding  in  the  north. 


99 


ion 


CHIPPING  SPARROW. 

560.  Spizella  passerina.  514  inches. 

Crown  chestnut;  forehead  black;  line  through  the 
eye  black. 

One  of  the  commonest  and  most  useful  of  our  Spar- 
rows, frequenting  orchards,  yards  and  bushy  pastures. 
They  are  not  at  all  timid  and  frequently  nest  in  vines, 
covering  porches  or  the  side  of  the  house,  provided 
that  English  Sparrows  are  not  too  plenty.  They  eat 
great  quantities  of  insects  and  worms,  and  some  seeds, 
feeding  their  young  wholly  upon  the  former. 

Song. — A very  rapidly  chanted  chip,  chip,  chip,  chip, 
continued  for  several  seconds;  call,  a sharp  chip. 

Nest. — A small  cup-shaped  structure  of  rootlets, 
lined  with  horsehair;  placed  in  bushes,  trees  or  vines; 
eggs  three  to  five,  bluish  green,  specked,  chiefly  around 
the  large  end,  with  blackish  brown  (.65  x .50). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  north  to  Newfoundland  and  Hudson 
Bay;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States.  A sub-species  is  found 
west  of  the  Rockies. 


CLAY-COLORED  SPARROW. 

561.  Spizella  pallida.  5%  inches. 

No  reddish  brown  in  the  plumage;  crown  largely 
black,  with  a whitish  stripe  in  centre.  The  habits  of 
these  birds  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  Chippy ; they  are 
abundant  on  the  Plains  north  to  Saskatchewan  and  breed 
south  to  the  northern  portion  of  the  United  States. 
They  spend  the  winter  in  Mexico.  Their  nests  and  eggs 
cannot  be  distinguished  from  those  of  the  preceding,  ex- 
cept, perhaps,  by  the  fact  that  the  nest  has  more  grass 
than  hair. 


BREWER  SPARROW. 

562.  Spizella  breweri.  5^  inches. 

Like  the  lest  species,  the  general  tone  of  plumage  of 
this  is  gray.  It  differs,  though,  in  having  the  crown 
finely  streaked  with  blackish.  It  is  a more  western 
species  than  the  last  and  is  rarely  found  east  of  the 
Rockies.  It  ranges  from  British  Columbia  southward 
into  Mexico. 


101 


FIELD  SPARROW. 

563.  Spizella  pusilla.  5Y2  inches. 

Bill  pinkish-brown ; crown  and  ear  covert  brown  with 
no  black  markings;  back  reddish  brown  and  breast  and 
^-des  washed  witn  brown. 

You  will  find  these  birds  in  dry  pastures,  stubble 
fields  and  side  hills.  The  hotter  and  dryer  a place  is, 
the  better  they  seem  to  like  it.  They  are  often  the 
only  birds  that  will  be  found  nesting  on  tracts  of  land 
recently  burned  over,  upon  which  the  sun  beats  down 
with  stifling  heat. 

Song. — A series  of  shrill  piping  whistles  on  an  as- 
cending scale  and  terminating  in  a little  trill,  “swee- 
see-see-se-e-e.” 

Nest. — A frail  structure  of  grasses  and  weeds,  lined 
with  finer  grasses;  placed  either  on  the  ground  or  in 
bushes,  briars  or  weed  patches ; four  or  five  whitish 
eggs  marked  with  reddish  brown  (.68  x .50). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  States  north  to  south- 
ern Canada ; winters  in  southern  United  States. 

Sub-species. — 563a.  Western  Field  Sparrow  (arena- 
cea),  a paler  race  found  on  the  Great  Plains. 


102 


WHITE- WINGED  JUNCO. 

563.  Junco  aikeni.  G1/^  indies. 

Slightly  larger  than  the  common  eastern  Junco,  and 
with  two  white  bars  on  the  wing  and  more  white  on 
the  tail. 

This  species  cannot  be  regarded  as  common  anywhere, 
even  locally,  and  in  most  sections  of  it's  range  it  is  rare. 
There  are  no  peculiarities  in  its  habits  and  I believe  that 
its  nests  and  eggs  have  not,  as  yet,  been  discovered. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Wyoming  and  the  Dakotas  and 
winters  in  Colorado  and  eastward  to  Kansas. 


103 


SLATE-COLORED  JUNCO. 

567.  Junco  liyemalis.  6%  inches. 

These  are  one  of  our  most  common  winter  birds,  easily 
recognized,  while  perching  or  on  the  ground,  by  the 
white  or  pinkish  bill,  and  when  Hying  by  the  white  outer 
tail  feathers  and  the  gray  and  white  plumage.  They  are 
very  common  about  houses  as  well  as  on  the  edges  of 
woods  and  in  pine  groves,  being  very  tame  and  coming 
into  the  dooryard  to  feed  upon  crumbs  or  chaff  which  is 
often  thrown  out  for  them. 

Song. — A sweet  simple  trill,  which  has  a beautiful 
effect  when  given  by  a whole  flock  in  unison. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground,  usually  beside 
a stone,  in  a bunch  of  weeds  or  under  a small  shrub, 
where  it  is  well  concealed.  The  three  or  four  eggs  are 
whitish,  sprinkled  with  reddish  brown  (.75  x.55). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
parts  of  the  northern  tier  of  states  northward ; winters 
south  to  the  Gulf. 

Sub-species. — 567e.  Carolina  Junco  (carolinensis) , 
found  in  the  Alleghanies  from  Virginia  to  Georgia; 
there  are  several  races  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


104 


BLACK-THROATED  SPARROW. 

573.  Amphispiza  bilincata.  5 Yj  inches. 

These  little  Sparrows  are  entirely  unlike  any  other 
North  American  species.  They  are  found  in  the  south- 
western deserts,  where  they  are  not  uncommon  in  cer- 
tain localities,  being  found  in  mesquite  or  chaparral 
brush. 

Note. — An  ordinary  Sparrow  chip;  song,  a rich  me- 
tallic “zip-zip-zip-zee-zee-zee,”  the  first  three  ascending, 
the  second  three  notes  descending. 

Nest. — In  bushes  or  cacti  at  low  elevations;  eggs 
plain  bluish  white  (.70x.50). 

Range. — From  Texas  north  to  Kansas  in  summer.  A 
paler  sub-species,  the  Desert  Sparrow  (deserticola) , is 
found  westward  to  southern  California. 

SAGE  SPARROW. 

574.1  Amphispiza  nevadensis.  6XA  inches. 

These  birds  are  found  in  arid  regions,  frequenting  the 
sage  .brush  that  is  found  in  the  Great  Basin  region,  from 
western  Texas  to  California. 


105 


PINE-T/GQD3  SPAPPOW. 

575.  Pcuccca  ccstivalis.  5%  inches. 

Upper  parts  streaked  with  black;  back  chestnut  and 
gray;  under  parts  huffy  white;  tail  rounded. 

These  dull-colored  birds  are  abundant  on  some  of  the 
southern  pine  barrens.  Their  habits  are  similar  to  those 
of  the  Henslow  Sparrow;  they  are  quite  shy  and  it  is 
almost  impossible  to  make  one  show  itself  above  the 
grass,  through  which  it  runs  and  dodges  with  great 
swiftness.  If  it  is  surprised  into  taking  wing  it  goes 
but  a few  feet,  then  drops  out  of  sight  again. 

Note. — A metallic  chip;  song,  similar  to  that  of  the 
Field  Sparrow,  but  reversed;  that  is,  with  the  trill  first. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground,  under  shrubs  or  in 
tufts  of  grass;  not  usually  arched  as  those  of  Bachman 
Sparrow  seem  to  always  be;  four  or  five  pure  white  eggs 
( .72  x .GO) . 

Pange. — Georgia  and  Florida.  575a.  Bachman  Spar- 
row (bachmannii)  is  brighter  above  but  has  fewer  black 
streaks;  found  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States 
and  north  to  Indiana. 


106 


SONG  SPARROW. 

581.  Melospiza  melodia.  GRL  inches. 

This  is  probably  the  best  known,  most  abundant  and 
most  widely  distributed  (in  its  numerous  sub-species) 
of  all  our  birds.  They  are  quite  hardy  and  many  of  them 
winter  in  the  northern  states,  but  the  majority  go  far- 
ther south,  returning  to  their  summer  homes  about  the 
first  of  March.  They  may  be  found  anywhere  where  there 
are  bushes,  vines  or  hedges,  and  -very  often  about  houses, 
even  in  large  cities. 

Song. — Very  pleasing  and  musical,  strongly  resem- 
bling brilliant  measures  from  that  of  the  Canary. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  either  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes; 
three  to  five  bluisli-white  eggs,  profusely  spotted  with 
brown  (,80x.58). 

Range. — Eastern'  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Virginia  and 
Missouri  north  to  southern  Canada.  Winters  from 
Massachusetts  and  Ohio  southward.  Many  local  races 
are  found  west  of  the  Rockies,  but  only  one  east  of 
there.  581j.  Dakota  Song  Sparrow  (juddi)  is  found  in 
the  vicinity  of  Turtle  Mountains,  North  Dakota;  it  is 
said  to  be  lighter  above  and  brighter  below. 


107 


LINCOLN  SPARROW. 


108 


583.  Melospiza  lincolnii.  5%  inches. 

Upper  parts  extensively  brown  and  black;  breast  and 
sides  bright  buff  with  fine  black  streaks. 

These  flinches  are  quite  abundant  in  the  West,  especial- 
ly during  migrations,  but  are  rather  uncommon  in  the 
eastern  states.  Their  habits  are  similar  in  some  respects 
to  both  those  of  the  Song  Sparrow  and  of  the  Grass- 
hopper Sparrow.  They  are  very  lively  at  all  times  and 
in  the  mating  season  quite  pugnacious.  They  sit  for 
minutes  at  a time  upon  the  top  of  a busn  pouring  forth 
their  melody,  and  they  have  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
songs  of  any  of  the  family. 

Song1. — Loud,  clear  and  gurgling,  after  the  style  of 
the  house  Wren;  call,  a metallic  chirp. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  on  the  ground,  in  tufts  of  grass  or 
under  small  shrubs;  eggs  pale  greenish  white,  heavily 
marked  with  chestnut  ( .80  x .58 ) . 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  to 
Labrador  and  Alaska;  winters  in  southern  half  of  U.  S. 


SWAMP  SPARROW. 

584.  Mclospiza  georgiana.  5%  inches. 

Forehead  black;  crown  chestnut  with  a gray  median 
stripe;  whole  upper  parts  very  dark;  under  parts  gray- 
ish with  brown  sides. 

A very  quiet  and  unobtrusive  species  that  dwells,  as 
its  name  implies,  chiefly  in  swamps.  They  creep  about 
under  the  rank  weeds  and  underbrush  like  so  many  mice; 
they  are  especially  fond  of  the  soft  mires  where  walking 
is  so  difficult  for  human  beings;  they  patter  around  on 
the  soft  mud  with  evident  enjoyment,  occasionally  walk- 
ing across  an  open  space  of  water  on  what  floating 
debris  they  may  find  available. 

Song. — A feeble  chant;  call,  a sharp  metallic  cheep. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  in  damp  places; 
four  or  five  eggs,  having  a pale  greenish-blue  color  heav- 
ily blotched  and  clouded  with  shades  of  brown  ( .80  x .55) . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from 
New  Jersey  and  Missouri  north  to  Labrador  and  Hud- 
son Bay;  winters  in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


100 


FOX  SPARROW. 

585.  Passerella  iliaca.  7%  inches. 

Above  bright  reddish  brown  and  gray;  rump  and  tail 
wholly  reddish  brown,  and  spots  on  the  breast  and  sides 
of  the  same  color. 

In  winter  we  find  these  large  Sparrows  in  quiet 
swamps  and  open  woods,  where  they  scratch  about 
among  the  fallen  leaves,  after  the  manner  of  domestic 
fowls;  they  will  scratch  energetically  for  a few  seconds, 
then  pause  to  see  what  they  have  uncovered.  They  have 
a short  but  loud  and  joyful  song,  with  which  they  greet 
you  on  clear  frosty  mornings,  and  the  effect  is  very  beau- 
tiful when  a large  flock  of  them  are  singing  in  chorus. 

Song. — A loud,  clear  and  melodious  carol;  call,  a soft 
chip. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  moss,  lined  with  fine  grass  and 
feathers ; four  or  five  pale  bluish-green  eggs,  spotted 
with  reddish  brown  and  chestnut  (.90x.65). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba  northward;  winters  in 
the  southern  states. 


110 


TOWHEE  OR  CHEWXNK. 

587.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus.  8 inches. 

A bird  of  swamps,  brushy  pastures  and  open  wood- 
lands. They  are  ground  birds  and  usually  found 
scratching  among  the  leaves;  the  male,  with  his  black, 
white  and  brown  clothes,  makes  a conspicuous  object, 
while  the  female,  with  her  brown  and  white  dress, 
harmonizes  with  the  leaves  so  that  it  is  difficult  to 
see  her.  While  his  mate  is  sitting  on  her  nest,  the 
male  will  frequently  sit  in  a tree  top  and  persistently 
sing  for  many  minutes  at  a time. 

Song. — Loud  and  clear,  “tow-hee-e-e”  or  “see-tow- 
hee-e-e,”  with  the  last  notes  tremulous;  call,  a sharp 
“cherink.” 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground,  but  rarely  in  bushes; 
of  strips  of  bark,  grass  and  leaves;  eggs  white  with 
reddish-brown  dots  over  the  whole  surface  (.90  x .70). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
States  to  southern  Canada ; winters  in  southern  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 587a.  White-eyed  Towhee  (alleni)  has 
white  eyes  instead  of  red  and  less  white  on  the  tail; 
found  on  the  South  Atlantic  coast. 


Ill 


GREEN-TAILED  TOWHEE. 

592.1.  Oreospiza  chlorura.  7 inches. 

These  are  characteristic  birds  of  the  Western  moun- 
tains. They  are  typical  brush  birds,  satisfied  in  living 
a life  of  security  in  their  own  way,  and  rarely  appear 
above  the  surface  of  the  thick  shrubbery  except  to 
mount  to  a conspicuous  twig,  pour  forth  their  sweet 
melodies  and  then  retreat  again. 

Notes. — A loud  chip;  a soft,  mewing  note;  song, 
finch-like,  musical  but  rather  simple. 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes  near  the 
ground.  Made  of  grasses  the  same  as  that  of  any  of  the 
sparrows.  Eggs  pale  bluish  gray,  thickly  speckled  with 
reddish  brown.  The  nests  are  built  in  very  thickly 
tangled  underbrush  and  are  difficult  to  locate. 

Range. — Western  United  States,  from  the  eastern 
base  of  the  Rockies  west  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Sierra  Nevadas. 


112 


CARDINAL. 

593.  Cardinalis  cardinalis.  9 inches 

Noble  in  carriage,  beautiful  of  plumage,  amiable  in 
disposition  and  excellent  singers  are  some  of  the  quali- 
fications of  these  large-billed  birds.  They  are  southern 
birds,  rarely  seen  in  northern  U.  S.  unless  in  cages,  for 
large  numbers  of  them  are  trapped  for  this  purpose,  a 
practice  that  is  being  stopped  as  rapidly  as  possible 
by  enforcing  the  laws  which  protect  them.  They  are 
hardy  birds,  often  passing  the  winter  in  the  northern 
parts  of  their  range  when  the  ground  is  covered  with 
snow.  They  frequent  gardens,  plantations  and  open 
woods,  where  they  glean  their  food  of  seeds,  berries, 
fruit  and  insects. 

Song. — A loud,  clear  and  lively  warble;  call,  a low 
chip. 

Nest. — A frail  structure  of  twigs,  in  thickets  or 
bushes;  eggs  greenish  blue  with  reddish-brown  spots 
(1.00  x .73). 

Range. — Resident  and  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  York  and  Iowa.  593.  Florida  Cardinal  (flori- 
danus)  is  supposed  to  be  slightly  smaller  and  brighter. 


113 


114 


TEXAN  CARDINAL;  PYRRHULOXIA. 

594a.  Pyrrhuloxia  sinuata  texana.  8 y2  inches. 

Notice  that  the  bill  of  this  species  is  very  stout  and 
short,  more  like  that  of  a parrot.  The  crest  is  also 
composed  of  fewer  feathers  than  that  of  the  Cardinal. 
It  is  only  in  the  highest  of  plumages  that  the  red  on 
the  underparts  is  continuous  from  bill  to  tail;  usually 
it  is  broken  into  patches.  The  female  is  much  duller 
in  color  than  the  male,  but  always  has  a strong  tinge 
of  rose  color.  They  frequent  more  open  and  exposed 
positions  than  do  Cardinals  and  are  more  shy  in  their 
disposition. 

Nest. — Shabby  platforms  of  twigs  and  grasses  placed 
at  low  elevations  in  thickets.  The  three  or  four  eggs 
are  whitish,  specked  with  dark  brown,  most  profusely 
at  the  large  end  (.90  x .70). 

Range. — Abundant  in  the  Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley 
in  southern  Texas. 


ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK. 

595.  Zamelodia  ludoviciana.  8 inches. 

Male,  black  and  white  with  rose  breast  and  under 
wing  coverts;  female  resembling  a large  striped  Spar- 
row in  color. 

The  center  of  abundance  of  these  beautiful  creatures 
is  in  the  northern  half  of  eastern  U.  S.  In  beauty  and 
song  he  fully  atones  for  what  we  northerners  lose  be- 
cause of  the  southerly  distribution  of  the  Cardinal.  We 
find  them  in  swamps,  small  patches  of  woods,  and,  some- 
times, in  orchards.  They  are  rather  quiet  birds,  that  is 
they  do  not  move  about  much,  but  they  can  easily  be 
found  by  their  song. 

Song. — A rich,  full,  whistling  carol,  almost  without 
exception  immediately  preceded  with  a sharp  chip.  Call, 
a deep-toned  chirp. 

Nest. — A loose,  frail  cradle  of  twigs  at  low  eleva- 
tions in  trees  or  thickets ; eggs  bluish  green  spotted 
with  brown  (1.00  x .75). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  in  the 
northern  half  and  in  southern  Canada;  winters  in  Cen- 
tral America. 


BLUE  GROSBEAK. 

597.  Ouiraca  ccerulea.  7 inches. 

Male,  deep  blue  with  chestnut  shoulders;  female, 
grayish  brown  above  and  grayish  white  below. 

Open  woods,  small  groves  and  roadsides  are  the  lo- 
cations in  which  these  birds  will  be  apt  to  be  found. 
In  some  places  they  are  fairly  common,  but  nowhere 
abundant.  Their  habits  are  very  similar  to  those  of 
the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 

Song. — A rapid  varied  warble,  similar  to  but  louder 
and  stronger  than  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunting. 

Nest. — Of  twigs,  weeds  and  grasses,  lined  with  fine 
rootlets;  placed  in  thickets,  bushes  or  low  trees;  four 
or  five  plain  bluish-white  eggs  (.85  x .62). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
Maryland  and  Illinois;  winters  south  of  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 597a.  Western  Blue  Grosbeak  (la- 
zula ) . Male  of  a brighter  shade  of  blue  than  the  east- 
ern; found  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Pacific,  breeding 
north  to  Kansas,  Colorado  and  northern  California. 


116 


INDIGO  BUNTING. 

598.  Passerina  cyanea.  5y2  inches. 

Male,  indigo  blue;  female,  brownish  but  usually  with 
a faint  indication  of  blue  on  the  wings  or  tail. 

A jolly  summer  songster,  dwelling  with  us  from  the 
latter  part  of  May  until  September.  You  will  meet 
with  these  Buntings  along  roadsides  lined  with  serubby 
trees  or  bushes,  or  in  pastures  or  along  the  edges  of 
swamps.  The  male  usually  has  some  favorite  perch 
upon  which  he  spends  a large  portion  of  his  time  sing- 
ing;  it  is  nearly  always  the  top  of  a tall  bush  or  tree. 

Song. — A sprightly  little  warble  with  many  canary- 
like notes.  Call,  a sharp  chip. 

Nest.— Of  grasses  at  low  elevations  in  shrubs  or 
bushes;  eggs  four  or  five  in  number,  very  pale  bluish 
white  (.75  x .52). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  and  most  abun- 
dant east  of  the  Mississippi;  breeds  north  to  Manitoba 
and  New  Brunswick;  winters  in  Central  America. 


117 


LAZULI  BUNTING. 

599.  Passerina  amcena.  5 y2  inches. 

This  species  replaces  the  preceding  one  west  of  the 
Plains.  While  the  plumage  of  the  males  is  entirely 
distinctive,  that  of  the  females  is  often  confusing.  The 
present  species  has  quite  a conspicuous  band  of  rusty 
buff  across  the  breast  and  lacks  any  sign  of  stripes  on 
the  sides,  such  as  show  faintly  on  the  last  species.  Its 
habits  are  just  like  those  of  the  Indigo  and  it  frequents 
the  same  kind  of  territory. 

Nest. — Built  in  a bush  or  on  the  lower  branches  of 
trees,  only  a few  feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are 
very  pale  bluish  white  (.75  x .58). 

Range. — Western  United  States  from  the  Great 
Plains  to  the  Pacific  coast;  north  along  the  coast  to 
British  Columbia;  south  in  winter  to  Mexico. 


118 


VARIED  BUNTING. 

600.  Passerina  versicolor.  5^4  inches. 

This  beautiful  species  is  less  common  than  any  others 
of  the  genus  and  has  a very  restricted  range  in  the 
United  States.  The  plumage  of  the  male  birds  varies  a 
great  deal ; that  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustra- 
tion is  from  a brightly  colored  specimen.  They  will 
average  duller  than  this.  These  birds  frequent  thickets 
or  brush-studded  pasture  land.  Their  song  is  described 
as  weaker  than  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunting,  but  having 
much  of  the  same  character. 

Nest. — 'Built  of  grasses,  bark  and  fine  rootlets;  a 
cup-shaped  structure  placed  in  forks  of  bushes,  usually 
in  tangled  thickets.  The  three  or  four  eggs  cannot  be 
distinguished  from  those  of  the  last  species. 

Range. — The  Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  southern 
Texas.  A sub-species  (pulchra)  is  also  found  in  Lower 
California  and  southern  Arizona. 


119 


PAINTED  BUNTING. 


601.  Passerina  ciris.  5%  inches. 

Male,  vari-colored;  female,  greenish  gray. 

Without  any  exception,  these  are  the  most  gaudily 
plumaged  North  American  birds,  but  their  colors  have 
a harshness  of  contrast  that  renders  them  far  less 
pleasing  to  the  eye  than  many  others  of  our  birds. 
They  are  often  caged,  but  in  confinement  soon  lose  the 
natural  brilliancy  of  their  plumage.  Like  the  Indigo 
Bunting,  they  are  found  in  thickets  and  hedges;  their 
habits  seem  to  be  precisely  like  those  of  the  last  species. 

Song. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Indigo  but  lacking  the 
brilliancy  of  that  of  the  latter  bird. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  leaves,  strips  of  bark  and  root- 
lets, compactly  compressed  and  woven  together,  situ- 
ated at  low  elevations  in  thickets  and  low  bushes;  eggs 
whitish,  specked  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  (.78  x 
.58). 

Range. — Southeastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
north  to  Virginia,  Ohio  and  Kansas;  winters  in  Cen- 
tral America. 


120 


MORELLET  SEED-EATER. 


602.  Sporophila  morelleti  sharpei.  4^2  inches. 

The  male  of  this  interesting  little  species  requires  at 
least  three  years  in  which  to  obtain  tne  perfect  plumage 
as  shown  in  our  illustration.  The  majority  of  birds 
seen  will  be  in  intermediate  stages  of  plumage  between 
that  of  the  adult  female  and  this  one.  These  little  fel- 
lows are  usually  found  in  thickets  or  patches  of  briars 
and  are  quite  tame. 

Note. — During  the  breeding  season  the  male  has  a 
sprightly  song  similar  to  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunting. 

Nest. — The  nests  are  made  of  fine  grass  and  placed 
in  bushes  or  young  trees.  The  eggs  are  bluish  green 
spotted  rather  evenly  with  brown  (.65  x .48), 

Range. — Southeastern  Texas  and  southward  into 
Mexico. 


121 


DICKCISSEL. 


604.  Spiza  americana.  6%  inches. 

Male  beautifully  blended  with  yellow,  white  and 
gray,  and  with  a black  throat  patch  and  brown  shoul- 
ders ; female  duller. 

In  the  middle  portions  of  the  U.  S.  these  birds,  or 
Black-throated  Buntings,  as  they  are  commonly  called, 
are  very  numerous,  frequenting  dry,  bushy  fields  or 
prairies.  They  are  very  persistent  songsters,  although 
their  song  is  weak  and  has  little  melody.  In  July  and 
August,  when  many  birds  are  silent,  they  continue 
their  plaintive  chant  even  on  the  most  sultry  days. 

Song. — A simple  chanting  “chip,  chip,  che-che-che.” 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground,  in  bushes  or  thistles, 
or  in  trees ; of  weeds,  grasses,  rootlets,  corn  husks,  etc. ; 
eggs  four  or  five  in  number,  plain  bluish  white  and 
hardly  distinguishable  from  those  of  the  Bluebird;  size 
.80  x .60. 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
the  Gulf  States  north  to  northern  U.  S.;  rare  in  the 
Atlantic  States  north  to  Connecticut. 


122 


LARK  BUNTING. 

605.  Calamospiza  melanocorys.  7 inches. 

Male,  black  and  white;  female,  brown  and  gray. 

This  species  is  often  known  as  the  White-winged 
Blackbird,  not  because  it  bears  any  resemblance  to  any 
of  the  Blackbirds,  nor  because  any  of  the  habits  are  the 
same,  but  simply  because  of  its  plumage.  They  are 
very  gregarious  and  usually  fly  in  flocks  even  in  nesting 
time. 

They  seem  to  be  very  methodical  and  well  trained; 
if  one  of  a flock  takes  wing,  the  entire  flock  rises 
simultaneously  and  in  a very  compact  body  they  fly 
until  some  leader  chooses  the  next  stopping  place,  when 
they  as  suddenly  alight.  They  have  the  habit  of  Sky- 
larks in  mounting  into  the  air  while  singing  and  then 
descending  on  set  wings. 

Song. — A very  lively,  sweetly  modulated  warble. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  usually  under  a tuft  of  grass 
or  small  bush ; four  or  five  eggs  of  a bluish  color  ( .85 
x .65),  brighter  than  those  of  the  Dickcissel. 

Range. — Western  U.  S.,  most  abundant  from  Kansas 
to  Colorado  and  north  to  Assiniboia. 


123 


SCARLET  TANAGER. 

608.  Plranga  erythromelas . 7%  inches. 

Male,  scarlet  and  black;  female,  greenish  yellow  and 
blackish. 

These  beautiful  birds  are  found  in  open  woods,  but 
they  often  come  out  in  fields,  parks,  orchards  and 
sometimes  in  yards  when  feeding;  one  of  the  prettiest 
sights  that  I ever  saw  was  of  about  a dozen  of  these 
birds  tripping  along  the  furrows  of  a ploughed  field, 
where  they  were  feeding  on  insects.  Besides  berries 
and  seeds,  they  live  upon  quantities  of  insects,  fre- 
quently catching  them  on  the  wing  in  true  Flycatcher 
style. 

Song. — Resembling  that  of  the  Robin,  but  harsher, 
less  varied  and  higher  pitched.  Call,  a sharp  chip  or 
‘ ‘chip-churr.” 

Nest. — Loosely  made  of  twigs  and  rootlets,  on  lower 
branches  of  trees;  eggs  four,  pale  bluish  green,  spotted 
with  brown  (.95  x .65). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  U.  S. 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Plains ; winters  in  the  tropics, 
wdience  it  arrives  about  May  15. 


SUMMER  TANAGER. 

G10.  Piranga  rubra.  7%  inches. 

Male,  rosy  red;  female,  greenish  yellow. 

These  Tanagers  have  a more  southerly  distribution 
than  the  Scarlet  variety,  but  are  found  in  the  same 
kind  of  territory.  In  its  localities  it  is  rather  more 
abundant  and  less  retiring  than  is  the  latter  bird  in 
the  north,  and  more  often  dwells  in  public  parks.  This 
bird  is  often  called  the  Redbird  and  in  localities  where 
both  the  Scarlet  Tanager  and  this  species  are  found, 
they  are  frequently  known  by  the  same  name,  as  their 
habits  and  notes  are  similar. 

Song. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Scarlet  Tanager  but 
said  to  be  sweeter  and  clearer,  and  to  more  nearly  re- 
semble that  of  the  Robin. 

Nest. — On  the  outer  horizontal  limbs  of  trees  in  open 
woods  or  groves;  nest  of  twigs  and  rootlets;  eggs  bluish 
green,  spotted  with  brown  (.95  x .65). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
the  Gulf  to  New  Jersey  and  Kansas ; winters  in  Central 
America.  A sub-species  is  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


125 


PURPLE  MARTIN. 

611.  Progne  subis.  7%  inches. 

Male,  blue  black;  female,  dull  black  and  grayish. 

These  large,  jolly  Swallows  are  commonly  seen  about 
cities  and  towns  within  their  range.  Originally  they 
dwelt  in  hollow  trees,  and  some  do  yet,  but  the  ma- 
jority have  recognized  the  superiority  of  man’s  dwell- 
ing and  now  live  in  houses  built  especially  for  them 
or  in  cornices  of  houses  or  barns.  It  is  no  uncommon 
sight  to  see  a handsome  gabled  structure  of  many 
rooms,  perched  upon  a twelve-foot  pole,  on  the  lawns 
of  many  wealthy  residents;  others  less  bountifully  sup- 
plied with  this  world’s  goods  use  plain  soap  boxes  for 
the  same  purpose,  and  the  Martins  seem  to  like  the  one 
as  well  as  the  other. 

Song. — A strong,  varied  grating  warble  or  twitter, 
more  forcible  than  melodious. 

Nest. — Of  straw,  paper,  rags,  etc.,  in  bird  houses, 
gables  or  hollow  trees;  eggs  dull  white  (.98  x .72). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  New 
Brunswick  and  Saskatchewan ; winters  in  northern  South 
America. 


126 


CLIFF  SWALLOW. 

612.  Petrochelidon  lunifrons.  5 y2  inches. 

Adults  similar  in  plumage  but  the  female  slightly 
paler.  Easily  distinguished  from  the  Barn  Swallow  by 
the  square  tail  and  light  buffy  forehead  and  rump. 

This  is  what  is  commonly  called  the  Eave  Swallow 
in  the  East,  because  of  its  habit  of  plastering  its  nests 
on  the  outside  of  barns  or  other  buildings,  up  under 
the  eaves.  In  the  West  they  usually  resort  to  cliffs 
where,  sometimes,  large  sections  of  the  face  will  be 
completely  covered  with  the  little  mud  flasks;  often 
colonies  of  several  thousand  will  build  their  nests  to- 
gether. 

Song. — A continuous  twitter,  uttered  while  on  the 
wing  or  at  rest. 

Nest. — A flask  or  gourd-shaped  structure  of  mud, 
lined  with  straw  and  feathers,  attached  under  the 
eaves  to  the  outside  of  buildings  or  on  the  faces  of 
cliffs;  five  to  seven  eggs  are  laid;  white  dotted  and 
spotted  with  reddish  brown  ( .80  x .55 ) . 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  Greenland 
and  Alaska;  winters  in  the  Tropics. 


127 


BARN  SWALLOW. 

613.  Hlrundo  erythrogastra.  IV2  inches. 

Female  duller  plumaged  and  with  a less  deeply  forked 
tail  than  the  male.  Forehead  and  throat  chestnut  and 
entire  under  parts  huffy;  tail  deeply  forked  and  with 
a white  spot  on  the  inner  web  of  each  feather  except  the 
central  pair. 

This  is  the  most  graceful  and  beautiful  of  all  our 
swallows,  and  is  the  most  common  about  farm  houses, 
the  inside  beams  and  rafters  of  which  they  appropriate 
for  their  own  use.  They  delight  in  skimming  over  the 
rolling  meadows  or  the  surface  of  ponds,  now  rising 
with  the  wind,  now  swooping  downward  with  the  speed 
of  an  arrow. 

Song. — A continuous,  rapid  twitter. 

Nest. — A bowl -shaped  structure  made  up  of  pellets 
of  mud  cemented  together  with  the  birds’  saliva,  and 
lined  with  feathers;  attached  to  rafters  in  barns,  the 
opening  being  at  the  top  and  not  at  the  side  as  in  the 
last;  eggs  exactly  like  those  of  the  last. 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  north  to  the  limit  of  trees; 
winters  in  northern  South  America. 


TREE  SWALLOW. 

614.  Iridoprocne  bicolor.  6 inches. 

Male,  steely  blue  or  greenish  above ; female,  duller 
and  often  plain  gray  above,  but  both  sexes  always  en- 
tirely white  below. 

These  Swallows  are  also  abundant  about  farmyards ; 
except  when  they  are  skimming  over  ponds,  they  are 
almost  always  scouring  the  air  aboA7e  buildings  or 
fields,  at  higher  elevations  than  the  Barn  Swallows. 
When  weary  they  roost  on  dead  twigs  or  telephone 
wires,  hundreds  often  being  seen  in  rows  on  the  latter. 
Like  the  Martins,  these  birds  frequently  nest  in  bird 
boxes,  but  usually  not  more  than  one  or  two  pairs  in 
a single  house. 

Notes. — A twittering  like  that  of  the  other  Swal- 
lows. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  lined  with  feathers,  in  hollow  trees 
on  the  border  of  water  or  in  orchards,  or  in  bird  boxes 
erected  for  their  use;  eggs  white  (.75  x .52). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S. 
and  northward  to  Labrador  and  Alaska ; winters  in 
southern  U.  S.  and  southward. 

9 


129 


BANK  SWALLOW. 

61G.  Riparia  riparia.  5^4  inches. 

These  are  the  smallest  of  our  Swallows;  this  species 
can  be  distinguished,  even  at  a distance,  by  the  con- 
spicuous band  across  the  breast,  showing  in  bold  relief 
against  the  lighter  throat.  They  are  found  throughout 
North  America,  breeding  from  the  middle  of  the  U.  S. 
north  to  the  Arctic  regions. 

They  nest  in  colonies  in  holes  in  banks,  laying  the 
four  to  seven  white  eggs  on  a grass  nest  in  an  enlarged 
chamber  at  the  end  of  the  tunnel. 

BOUGH-WINGED  SWALLOW. 

617.  Stelgidopteryx  serripennis.  5%  inches. 

In  this  species  the  throat  is  gray  as  well  as  the  breast. 
The  outer  vane  of  the  outer  primary  is  stiff  and  bristly, 
thus  giving  the  species  its  name.  These  birds  breed 
from  the  Gulf  north  to  Massachusetts  and  Washington, 
in  banks  or  in  crevices  of  stone  bridges.  The  eggs  can- 
not with  certainty  be  distinguished  from  those  of  the 
Bank  Swallow.  They  measure  .75  x .52. 


BOHEMIAN  WAXWING. 

618.  Bombycilla  garrula.  8 inches. 

Larger  and  grayer  than  our  common  Cedar  Waxwing 
and  with  yellow  and  white  on  the  wing;  it  is  a north- 
ern species  and  is  only  casually  found  in  eastern  U.  S. 
They  nest  within  the  Arctic  Circle  and  only  a few  of 
their  nests  have  ever  been  found.  In  winter  they  are 
found  in  flocks,  roving  restlessly  about  the  country, 
often  appearing  where  least  expected  and  utterly  desert- 
ing other  places  where  they  are  usually  found. 

Nest. — Of  small  twigs  and  moss,  lined  with  feathers, 
usually  placed  at  low  elevations  in  spruce  or  conif- 
erous trees;  eggs  dull  bluish  white  specked  sparingly 
with  black  (1.00  x .70),  similar  to  those  of  the  Cedar 
Waxwing  but  larger. 

Bange. — Northern  parts  of  the  northern  hemisphere, 
breeding  within  the  Arctic  Circle  and  wintering  cas- 
ually south  to  Massachusetts,  Pennsylvania,  Kansas  and 
California. 


CEDAR  WAX  WING. 

619.  Bombycilla  cedrorum.  7 inches. 

Plumage  very  soft  colored  with  a general  brownish 
tone,  shading  to  gray  on  the  rump.  The  Waxwings 
are  named  from  the  curious  wax-like  appendages  at- 
tached to  the  tips  of  the  secondaries,  and  rarely  to 
the  tail  feathers.  They  are  very  sociable  and  usually 
feed  in  flocks.  They  live  chiefly  upon  fruit  and  are 
especially  fond  of  cherries,  for  which  reason  they  are 
very  often  known  as  Cherry-birds.  They  are  very  tame 
and  allow  anyone  to  almost  touch  them  while  they  are 
feeding  or  sitting  upon  their  nests. 

Note. — An  insignificant  lisping  hiss. 

Nest. — A substantial  structure  of  twigs,  mosses, 
twine,  etc.,  lined  with  fine  grasses ; placed  in  cedar 
trees  or,  when  near  habitations,  usually  in  orchard  trees ; 
the  four  or  five  eggs  are  dull  bluish  white,  specked  with 
black  (.85  x .60). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  Virginia,  Missouri  and 
northern  California  north  to  Labrador  and  southern 
Alaska;  winters  throughout  the  United  States. 


132 


NORTHERN  SHRIKE. 

621.  Lanius  borealis.  10  inches. 

This  shrike  is  larger  than  any  of  the  species  found 
in  summer  in  the  United  States  and  has  the  breast 
quite  distinctly  barred. 

Shrikes  are  cruel,  rapacious  and  carnivorous  birds; 
feeding  upon  insects,  grasshoppers,  lizards  and  small 
birds.  As  they  have  passerine  feet,  the  same  as  ail 
our  small  birds,  they  are  unable  to  hold  their  prey  be- 
tween the  feet  while  tearing  it  to  pieces,  so  they  im- 
pale it  upon  thorns  or  the  barbs  of  a wire  fence,  so 
they  may  tear  it  to  shreds  with  their  hooked  bill. 

Song. — Loud  snatches  consisting  of  various  whistles 
and  imitations  suggesting  that  of  a Catbird. 

Nest. — They  breed  chiefly  north  of  the  U.  S.,  placing 
their  rude,  bulky  structures  of  twigs  and  weeds  in 
thorny  trees  or  hedges ; their  four  to  six  eggs  are  gray- 
ish white  with  spots  of  light  brown  and  darker  gray 
(1.08  x .80). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  chiefly  in  the  northern  parts 
of  Canada ; winters  south  to  Pennsylvania,  Kansas  and 
California. 


133 


134 


LOGGERHEAD  SHRIKE. 

622.  Lanius  ludovicianus.  9 inches. 

Pure  white  below  and  with  the  markings  above,  in- 
tense black  instead  of  the  brownish  or  grayish  black 
cf  the  last  species.  Although  smaller,  these  Shrikes 
have  the  same  destructive  habits  of  the  northern  species. 
All  the  Shrikes  do  considerable  good  to  mankind,  for 
they  eat  quantities  of  grasshoppers  and  mice,  and  prob- 
ably resort  to  their  diet  of  small  birds  when  other 
food  is  unusually  scarce.  It  cannot  be  denied  that 

they  are  cruel,  for  they  often  kill  more  than  they  can 
cat  and  leave  it  impaled  on  thorns  to  decay. 

Song. — Of  harsh,  discordant  whistles. 

Nest. — In  scrubby  hedges  and  thickets;  of  twigs, 
weeds,  leaves,  etc.;  eggs  four  to  seven  in  number,  gray- 
ish white,  spotted  with  shades  of  brown  and  gray. 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  New  England  and  Manitoba;  winters  in  south- 
ern states. 

Sub-species. — 622a.  White-rumped  Shrike  (excubi- 
torides),  paler  and  with  a white  rump;  found  from  the 
Plains  to  the  Pacific  in  the  U.  S. 


RED-EYED  VIREO. 

624.  Vireosylva  olivacea.  6 inches. 

Crown  slaty  gray  with  a black  border;  white  stripe 
above  eye;  eye  reddish  brown. 

Throughout  the  United  States  this  is  one  of  the  most 
abundant  of  the  family.  All  through  the  spring  and 
summer  months  their  warble  is  heard  from  woodland 
and  roadside,  often  becoming  so  monotonous  as  to  be 
irritating.  Oftentimes  during  the  spring  migrations  of 
Warblers,  Vireos  are  so  numerous  and  singing  so  lustily 
that  it  is  impossible  to  hear  or  distinguish  the  songs 
of  any  of  the  smaller  birds. 

Song. — Delivered  in  parts  with  intermission  of  a few 
seconds  between,  from  morning  until  night;  a short 
varied  warble;  call,  a petulant  mew. 

Nest. — A basket  woven  of  strips  of  bark  and  fibres, 
and  often  with  pieces  of  newspaper  worked  in,  lined 
with  fine  grass ; eggs  white  with  a few  blackisli-brown 
specks  on  the  large  end  (.85  x .55). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
the  Gulf  to  Labrador  and  Manitoba ; winters  in  Central 
America. 


135 


PHILADELPHIA  VIPEO. 

626.  Vireosylva  philadelphica.  5 inches. 

This  is  one  of  the  least  common  of  the  eastern  Vireos, 
although  it  is  more  common  than  most  people  know; 
its  song  is  not  distinctive  and  it  keeps  high  up  in  trees, 
so  it  is  not  usually  noticed.  Their  nests  are  swung  from 
branches  at  high  altitudes  and  are  seldom  found. 

WARBLING  VLREO. 

627.  Vireosylva  gilva.  5 inches. 

Above  olive-green;  crown  grayer  but  with  no  black 
border.  These  are  among  the  most  common  of  the 
Vireos  and  may  be  found  even  in  the  hearts  of  large 
cities,  swinging  their  pretty  little  nests  high  up  in  shade 
trees.  Their  song  is  after  the  style  of  that  of  the  Purple 
Finch,  very  different  from  that  of  the  Red-eye.  The 
eggs  are  white  with  a few  brown  specks  on  the  large  end. 
These  birds  breed  throughout  the  U.  S.  and  southern 
Canada. 


YELLOW-THROATED  VIREO. 

G28.  Lanivireo  flavifrons.  5 % inches. 

Upper  parts  greenish;  throat,  breast  and  line  over 
eye  yellow;  two  prominent  whitish  wing  bars. 

A handsome  Vireo  found  in  localities  such  as  are 
frequented  by  the  Red-eyed  species.  Nowhere  do  they 
appear  to  be  as  abundant  as  that  species,  however;  they 
are  more  abundant  than  many  suppose,  but  the  difficulty 
of  clearly  seeing  the  yellow  breast  when  they  are  feeding 
in  the  tree  tops,  combined  with  the  similarity  of  their 
songs,  usually  caused  them  to  be  passed  by  without  in- 
spection. 

Song. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Red-eye,  but  louder 
and  more  nasal,  less  varied  and  not  uttered  as  often. 

Nest. — A pensile  structure  of  strips  of  bark,  grasses, 
etc.,  with  the  outside  often  ornamented  with  lichens; 
three  to  five  eggs  with  a creamy  or  rosy-white  tint, 
specked,  more  profusely  than  those  of  the  Red-eye,  with 
reddish  brown  ( .82  x .60 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Canada;  winters  in  Central  America. 


BLUE-HEADED  VIREO. 

629.  Lanivireo  solitarius.  5%  inches. 

Crown  and.  sides  of  head  bluish  slate;  lores,  eye-ring 
and  underparts  white ; back  and  flanks  greenish  yellow ; 
two  whitish  wing  bars. 

This  species,  to  my  eye,  is  the  prettiest  of  the  Vireos, 
all  the  colors  being  in  just  the  right  proportion  and 
blending  and  harmonizing  perfectly.  They  are  solitary, 
in  that  they  are  usually  found  in  deep  woods,  glens  or 
ravines,  and  seldom  is  more  than  one  pair  found  in  a 
single  woods. 

Song. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Yellow-throated  Vireo 
but  longer  and  more  varied. 

Nest. — A handsome,  finely  woven  basket,  with  the 
outside  covered  with  spider  webs  and  often  with  lichens; 
eggs  pale  creamy  white  with  chestnut  specks. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba;  winters  south  of  the 
United  States. 

Sub-species. — 629c.  Mountain  Solitary  Vireo  (alti- 
cola),  head  darker  and  back  less  greenish;  Alleghanies 
from  North  Carolina  to  Georgia. 


138 


BLACK-CAPPED  VIREO. 

G30.  Vireo  atricapillus.  4 y2  inches. 

Male,  with  crown  and  sides  of  head  glossy  black, 
lores  and  eye-ring  white;  female,  duller  colored. 

This  strange  and  comparatively  rare  Vireo  frequents 
brushwood  on  the  prairies  of  Kansas,  Indian  Territory 
and  central  and  western  Texas.  Their  habits  in  all 
respects  resemble  those  of  the  more  common  Vireos  or 
Greenlets  as  they  are  otherwise  called. 

Notes. — Similar  to  those  of  the  White-eyed  Vireo. 

Nest. — Suspended  as  usual  from  forked  branches  at 
low  elevations;  made  of  fibres  and  bark  strips  closely 
woven  together  with  spider  webs.  The  four  eggs  are 
pure  white,  unmarked  (.70  x .52). 

Range. — Breeds  from  central  and  western  Texas 
north  to  southern  Kansas;  winters  in  Mexico. 


130 


WHITE-EYED  VIREO. 

631.  Vireo  griseus.  5 inches. 

This  species  shows  a partiality  for  low,  swampj 
places,  covered  with  briars  or  tangled  thickets  of  black* 
berry  vines.  Their  habits  are  entirely  different  from 
any  of  the  preceding  Vireos.  They  do  not  seem  to  sing 
as  they  eat,  but  feed  in  silence,  then,  the  task  ended, 
mount  to  the  tops  of  the  brush  and  indulge  in  an  end- 
less variety  of  calls  and  whistles. 

Song. — A great  variety  of  clear  whistles  and  squeaky 
notes. 

Nesi. — A bulky  structure  of  strips  of  bark,  leaves, 
paper,  etc.,  either  placed  in  the  branches  or  partially 
suspended  in  a fork;  eggs  white  with  minute  brown 
specks  (.75  x .55). 

Range. — Eastern  United  States,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  Massachusetts  and  Manitoba;  winters  in  Mexico. 

Sub-species. — 631a.  Key  West  Vireo  (maynardi), 
southern  Florida.  631b.  Bermuda  White-eyed  Vireo 
( bermudianus ) , resident  in  the  Bermudas.  631c.  Small 
White-eyed  Vireo  (micrus)  ; southeastern  Texas. 


140 


BLACK  AND  WHITE  WARBLER. 

636.  Mniotilta  varia.  5%  inches. 

Male,  heavily  streaked  with  black  below;  female,  with 
only  a few  streaks  on  the  sides. 

These  Warblers  are  usually  known  as  Black  and 
White  Creepers  because  of  their  habit  of  creeping  along 
the  limbs  and  branches  of  trees.  They  are  abundant  in 
northern  United  States,  being  found  in  open  woods, 
swamps  and  often  in  parks,  gleaning  insects  and  grubs 
from  crevices  in  the  bark. 

Song. — iA  weak,  thin,  wiry  “tsee,  tsee,  tsee.” 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  strips  of  bark  on  the  ground 
at  the  foot  of  a stump  or  tree  trunk  or  beside  a rock; 
they  lay  four  or  five  eggs,  white  with  a wreath  of  red- 
dish brown  around  the  large  end  ( .65  x .55 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Virginia  and 
Louisiana  north  to  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay ; win- 
ters in  northern  South  America. 


141 


PROTHONOTARY  WARBLER. 


142 


637.  Protonotaria  citrea.  5%  inches. 

Whole  head  and  underparts  intense  yellow,  almost 
orange  on  the  head  of  the  male;  tail  with  white  spots 
near  the  tip;  female,  duller. 

A common  species  in  the  interior,  found  in  bushy 
swamps  and  the  willows  around  the  borders  of  pools 
and  lakes;  they  are  found  in  the  latter  localities  with 
Tree  Swallows  and  often  Chickadees  all  nesting  in 
holes  in  hollow  stubs  along  the  bank,  they  being  one  of 
the  few  members  of  this  family  to  make  use  of  such 
locations  for  their  nests. 

Song. — A loud,  ringing  “tweet,  tweet,  tweet.” 

Nest. — In  hollow  stubs  near  or  over  water,  the  cav- 
ity of  the  stump  being  partially  filled  with  moss,  leaves 
and  grasses  hollowed  on  the  top  to  receive  the  four  to 
six  creamy-white  eggs  which  are  heavily  spotted  over 
the  entire  surface  with  reddish  brown  (.72  x .55). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  Virginia,  Illinois  and  Minnesota;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


SWAINSON  WARBLER. 

038.  Helinaia  swainsonii.  5 inches. 

Upper  parts  brownish;  underparts  whitish;  a white 
superciliary  stripe  and  a brown  stripe  through  the  eye. 

Some  of  the  habits  of  this  species  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  last  but  they  are  even  more  aquatic;  they 
like  swamps  or  stagnant  pools  thickly  grown  with  rushes 
and  tangled  underbrush ; unless  cognizant  of  their 
habits,  one  would  never  look  for  a Warbler  in  the  places 
frequented  by  these  birds  in  company  with  Least  Bit- 
terns and  Marsh  Wrens.  Until  within  a few  years  these 
were  regarded  as  rare  birds  but  are  now  found  to  be 
not  uncommon  in  certain  of  the  South  Atlantic  states, 
notably  Georgia. 

Song. — A series  of  descending,  loud,  clear  whistles 
with  a ventriloquial  effect. 

Nest. — Quite  large  structures  consisting  mostly  of 
leaves  with  strips  of  bark,  roots  and  pine  needles.  The 
four  or  five  eggs  are  plain  white,  being  the  only  eggs 
of  American  Warblers  that  are  unmarked. 

Range. — Southeastern  U.  S.  from  Georgia  to  Louis 
iana  and  north  to  North  Carolina  and  Missouri. 


143 


WORM-EATING  WARBLER. 

639.  Eelmitheros  vermivorus.  5^  inches. 

Crown  buffy  with  two  black  stripes ; back,  wings 
and  tail  olive  green  with  no  white  markings;  below 
buffy  white. 

These  birds  are  very  unsuspicious  and  easy  to  ap- 
proach; they  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time 
on  or  near  the  ground;  they  are  very  fond  of  spiders 
and  find  quantities  by  overturning  bits  of  bark  and 
leaves.  They  also  glean  part  of  their  living  from  the 
under  side  of  the  foliage  much  as  do  the  Vireos.  They 
are  met  with  in  open  woods  and  brush-grown  pastures. 

Song. — A weak,  rapid  chipping. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  depressions  under  logs, 
stones  or  bushes;  of  leaves  and  grass,  lined  with  fine 
grass  or  hair;  eggs  four  or  five  in  number,  white,  spot- 
ted principally  around  the  large  end  with  brownish 
(.70  x .55). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  Connecticut,  Ohio  and  Iowa;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


144 


BACHMAN  WARBLER. 

640.  Vermivora  bcichmani.  4 M inches. 

Male,  with  a yellow  forehead,  shoulders  and  under- 
parts; black  cap  and  breast  patch;  female,  duller  and 
with  less  black. 

This  species  was  first  discovered  by  Dr.  John  Bach- 
man near  Charleston,  S.  C. 

Song.— An  insignificant  warble  or  twitter,  similar  to 
the  song  of  the  Parula. 

Nest. — In  low  bushes  or  briers,  one  to  three  feet  above 
ground.  Made  of  fine  grasses  and  leaf  skeletons,  lined 
with  black  fibres.  Found  breeding  by  Widmann  in 
Missouri,  by  Embody  in  Kentucky  and  by  Wayne  in 
South  Carolina.  Eggs  4 in  number;  pure  white  (.63  x 
.48). 

Range. — Southeastern  U.  S.,  north  to  North  Carolina 
and  west  to  Missouri.  Rare  and  local  in  distribution. 

10 


145 


BLUE- WINGED  WARBLER. 

641.  Vermivora  pinus.  4%  inches. 

Crown  and  underparts  yellow;  a narrow  black  line 
through  the  eyes;  two  broad  whitish  wing  bars. 

A common  bird  of  the  southeastern  states  and  north 
to  Connecticut,  frequenting  open  woods,  thickets  and 
gardens.  They  are  ground  birds,  spending  most  of  their 
time  on  the  ground  or  in  low  bushes  which  they  clean 
of  the  insects  which  are  destructive. 

Song. — A loud,  rapid  chirrup,  similar  to  that  of  the 
Grasshopper  Sparrow  but  loud  and  distinct. 

Nest. — Of  leaves  and  strips  of  bark,  lined  with  fine 
grasses;  on  the  ground  in  clumps  of  weeds  or  black- 
berry vines ; eggs  white,  sparingly  spotted  around  the 
large  end  with  rufous  (.65  x .50). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  southern 
Connecticut  and  Wisconsin;  winters  in  the  tropics. 

Hybrids. — Lawrence  Warbler,  which  is  a hybrid  be- 
tween this  species  and  the  next;  it  has  the  general 
plumage  of  this  species  with  the  black  ear  patches  and 
throat  of  the  Golden-winged  Warbler.  It  is  found 
chiefly  in  southwestern  Connecticut  and  New  York. 


GOLDEN-WINGED  WARBLER. 

642.  Vermivora  chrysopterci.  5 inches. 

Crown  and  two  large  wing  bars  yellow;  throat  and 
ear  patches  black;  rest  of  plumage  gray  and  white; 
female  with  less  black. 

The  distribution  of  this  beautiful  Warbler  is  about 
the  same  as  that  of  the  last,  with  which  it  seems  to 
have  many  habits  in  common.  It  seems  to  prefer 
low  ridges  and  side  hills  covered  with  small  bushes. 

Song. — A buzzing  “zwee-ze-ze.” 

Nest.— Of  leaves,  rootlets,  strips  ot  bark  and  grass; 
located  on  the  ground  among  clumps  of  weeds,  usually 
in  moist  places;  eggs  white  with  brown  specks  (.62  x 
.48). 

Range.— Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Connecti- 
cut and  Michigan;  winters  in  Central  America. 

Hybrid. — Brewster  Warbler  is  a hybrid  between  this 
species  and  the  last.  It  resembles  the  Golden-winged 
Warbler  without  the  black,  but  with  a yellow  patch 
on  the  breast  and  the  black  line  of  the  Blue- wing  through 
the  eye. 


147 


NASHVILLE  WARBLER. 


645.  Vermivora  rubricapilla.  4%  inches. 

Male  with  a brown  crown  patch ; female  duller  colored 
and  with  no  crown  patch.  Dry  side  hills  covered  with 
young  trees  are  favorite  resorts  for  the  Warblers.  They 
conceal  their  nests  on  the  ground  under  tufts  of  dead 
grass  or  overhanging  stones.  They  are  often  rather  shy 
and  hard  to  sight,  but  you  can  usually  hear  their  song, 
a lazy  sounding  “ker-chip-chip-chip-cherr-wee-e-e,”  ending 
in  a short  trill.  These  birds  breed  in  the  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada,  wintering  in  Central 
America.  A sub-species  is  found  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

ORANGE-CROWNED  WARBLER. 

646.  Vermivora  celata.  5 inches. 

This  species  is  fairly  common  in  the  Mississippi  Valley 
but  is  rare  in  New  England.  Its  habits  are  much  like 
those  of  the  last  species  and  it  is  often  mistaken  for 
that  bird.  These  birds  breed  only  north  of  the  U.  S. 
and  winter  in  Mexico.  A sub-species,  the  Lutescent 
Warblers,  nests  from  California  to  Alaska. 


TENNESSEE  WARBLER. 

647.  Yermivora  peregrina . 5 inches. 

Male,  with  a gray  head  and  greenish  back;  female, 
with  the  top  of  the  head  the  same  color  as  the  back. 

A dull-colored  bird  that,  with  the  exception  of  the 
bill,  bears  a strong  resemblance  to  some  of  the  Vireos. 
Like  many  others  of  our  birds,  this  one  has  received 
an  inappropriate  name,  because  the  first  specimen  was 
shot  on  the  banks  of  the  Cumberland  River,  while  the 
bird  is  no  more  abundant  in  Tennessee  than  in  other 
states  during  migration. 

Song. — A simple  ditty  similar  to  that  of  the  Chip- 
ping Sparrow. 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground  or  at  low  elevations  in 
bushes;  of  grasses  and  fibres  lined  with  hair;  eggs 
white,  sparsely  specked  with  reddish  brown  (.62  x .45). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
parts  of  the  northern  tier  of  states  northward  to  the 
limit  of  trees;  winters  in  Central  and  South  America. 


149 


PARULA  WARBLER, 


048.  Compsothlypis  americana.  4*4  inches. 

In  the  summer  Parulas  are  found  in  wet  swamps 
where  the  ground  is  covered  with  a carpeting  of  moss 
which  only  partially  keeps  your  feet  from  the  water 
below;  the  dead  trees  are  covered  with  a growth  of  long, 
drooping  moss;  the  ends  of  this  moss  are  turned  up 
and  formed  into  a neat  cradle  within  which  the  eggs 
are  laid. 

Song. — A little  lisping  trill. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 
The  Northern  Parula  (usnea),  No.  648a,  breeds  in  the 
northern  half  of  the  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada;  it  is 
brighter  colored  than  the  southern  form.  Both  varie- 
ties winter  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 

SENNETT  WARBLER. 

G49.  Compsothlypis  pitiayumi  nigrilora.  4%  inches. 

A smaller  similar  bird  from  southern  Texas.  Note 
the  black  ear  patches  and  lack  of  black  on  breast. 


150 


CAPE  MAY  WARBLER. 


650.  Dendroica  tigrina.  5 inches. 

Male,  with  a chestnut  wash  on  the  ears  and  throat; 
female,  duller  and  with  little  or  no  chestnut. 

In  the  greater  part  of  eastern  North  America,  Cape 
May  Warblers  are  regarded  as  rare  birds;  they  appear 
to  migrate  in  compact  bodies,  not  spreading  out  over 
the  country  as  do  most  of  the  others ; consequently 
they  may  be  very  common  in  restricted  areas  while 
lacking  entirely  in  others.  I have  never  met  with  but 
two  specimens  in  Massachusetts.  While  passing  through 
the  United  States  you  may  meet  with  them  in  open 
woods,  parks  or  in  shade  trees  along  the  streets  of  cities. 

Song. — A thin,  high-pitched  whistle  repeated  several 
times. 

Nest. — Of  small  cedar  twigs  lined  with  horse  hair, 
placed  within  a few  feet  of  the  ground  in  small  cedar 
trees;  eggs  white  spotted  with  brown  (.68  x .50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  eastern  Canada 
and,  rarely,  northern  New  England;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


151 


YELLOW  WARBLER. 

652.  Dendroica  ccstiva.  5 inches. 

Male,  with  chestnut  streaks  on  the  sides;  female, 
duller  and  without  the  streaks. 

An  abundant  bird  everywhere  in  woodland,  park, 
orchard  or  garden  and  one  of  the  most  vivacious  of  the 
family.  Arrives  in  the  north  soon  after  May  first  and 
is  seen  flitting  about  like  a gleam  of  sunshine  snatch- 
ing insects  from  the  foliage  or  darting  after  them  in 
the  air.  Often  known  as  the  Summer  Yellowbird.  It 
frequently  nests  in  garden  or  orchard  trees,  where  it  is 
a most  welcome  tenant. 

Song. — A sharp,  vigorous  “clie-wee,  che-wee,  che-wee.” 

Nest. — A beautiful  and  compact  structure  of  vege- 
table or  plant  fibres  firmly  quilted  together,  and  fast- 
ened to  upright  forks  of  bushes  or  trees  at  low  eleva- 
tions. Willows  along  creeks,  ponds  or  rivers  are  favorite 
resorts. 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  Labrador 
and  Alaska ; winters  in  Central  America. 


BLACK-THROATED  BLUE  WARBLER. 

654.  Dcndroica  cwrulescens.  5]/4  inches. 

Male,  grayish  blue  above  and  with  a black  face, 
throat,  breast  and- sides;  female,  grayish  olive  above, 
whitish  below.  Both  sexes  always  have  a white  patch 
or  speck  at  the  base  of  the  primaries. 

You  will  find  these  birds  in  damp  woods  or  swamps, 
or  less  often  in  parks  or  open  woods.  They  are  usually 
seen  at  low  elevations  in  scrubby  underbrush.  Their 
notes  are  very  peculiar  and  will  draw  attention  to  them 
anywhere. 

Song. — A deep  grating  whistle  with  a sharply  rising 
inflection,  “zee-zee-zwee.” 

Nest. — In  deep,  swampy  woods,  especially  common 
in  laurel ; of  grape  vine  bark  and  rootlets  lined  with 
fine  black  roots  and  hair;  the  four  eggs  are  white  or 
buffy  white  with  reddish-brown  spots  and  blotches. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Connecticut 
(sparingly)  and  Michigan  north  to  Labrador  and  Hud- 
son Bay;  winters  in  Central  America.  654a.  Cairns 
Warbler  (cairnsi)  is  said  to  be  darker  on  the  back; 
found  in  the  southern  Alleglianies. 


MYRTLE  WARBLER. 


(355.  Dendroica  coronata.  5%  inches. 

Yellow  patches  on  crown,  sides  and  rump;  outer  tail 
feathers  with  large  white  spots;  female  duller  and 
browner. 

During  migrations  these  pretty  birds  are  very  abun- 
dant in  the  United  States.  They  usually  travel  in 
large  flocks  so  that  a small  piece  of  woodland  is  liter- 
ally flooded  with  them  when  they  pause  in  the  flight 
to  feed  upon  insects  or  small  berries.  They  are  often 
known  as  Yellow-rumped  Warblers. 

Song. — A clear,  broken  trill  or  warble. 

Nest. — Usually  in  coniferous  trees,  though  sometimes 
in  others,  and  at  low  elevations;  of  plant  fibres  and 
grasses ; the  four  or  five  eggs  are  white,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  reddish  brown  (.70  x .54). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England  and  Minnesota  northward ; winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


154 


MAGNOLIA  WARBLER. 

057.  Dendroica  magnolia.  5 inches. 

Male,  with  black  ear  patch,  back,  and  necklace;  fe- 
male, with  the  black  replaced  with  grayish;  both  sexes 
have  a yellow  rump  and  white  spots  midway  of  the 
tail  feathers. 

One  of  the  prettiest  of  the  Warblers  and  one  of  the 
least  timid.  I have  often  had  one  or  more  of  these 
birds  follow  me  the  whole  length  of  a piece  of  woods 
apparently  out  of  curiosity,  coming  down  to  the  near- 
est twigs  within  arms’  reach  of  me.  Birch  woods  are 
their  favorites  during  migrations,  although  a few  of 
them  will  be  found  almost  anywhere. 

Song. — A short,  rapidly  uttered  warble. 

Nest. — Usually  in  coniferous  trees,  far  out  on  the 
longer  branches,  where  they  are  often  difficult  to  get 
at ; of  rootlets  lined  with  fine  black  rootlets  and  hair ; 
four  or  five  white  eggs  with  small  spots  of  ehestnut 
around  the  large  end  ( .60  x .48 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Massachusetts 
and  Michigan  northward;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


155 


156 


CERULEAN  WARBLER. 

658.  Dendroicci  ceerulea.  5 inches. 

Above  grayish  blue  with  black  streaks,  below  white 
with  a bluish  breast  band  and  streaks  on  the  sides; 
female  washed  with  greenish  above  and  yellowish  be- 
low ; both  have  white  patches  near  the  ends  of  the  tail 
feathers. 

These  dainty  little  Warblers  are  not  abundant  any- 
where, but  seem  to  be  most  so  in  the  central  states. 
They  are  birds  of  the  tree  tops,  rarely  coming  down  so 
that  they  can  be  distinctly  seen.  They  may  be  more 
common  than  supposed,  for  so  small  a body  at  such 
heights  can  readily  be  overlooked. 

Song. — A little  warbling  trill,  “zee-zee-ze-ee-eep.” 

Nest. — In  the  higher  outer  branches  of  large  trees 
usually  in  deep  woods;  compactly  made  of  dry  grasses 
and  cobwebs,  adorned  with  a few  lichens ; eggs  white 
specked  at  the  large  end  with  brownish  (.65  x .50). 

Range. — Interior  portions  of  the  U.  S.,  breeding 
north  to  Michigan  and  Minnesota;  east  to  western  New 
York  and,  rarely,  southern  New  England;  winters  in 
northern  South  America. 


CHESTNUT-SIDED  WARBLER. 

659.  Dendroica  pensylvanica.  5 inches. 

Yellow  crown,  black  line  through  eye  and  on  side  of 
throat,  and  broad  chestnut  stripe  on  sides;  female, 
paler  and  with  less  chestnut;  young  greenish  yellow 
above  and  with  no  chestnut. 

Nearly  every  swamp  or  bush-covered  pasture  within 
their  range  shelters  one  or  more  pairs  of  these  Warb- 
lers. While  they  sometimes  feed  in  the  tree  tops,  they 
are  birds  of  the  lower  foliage  and  are  usually  seen  in 
low  bushes. 

Song. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  but 
more  choppy. 

Nest. — In  low  bushes  or  weeds,  and  often  in  sweet 
fern  or  briars;  similar  to  that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler 
but  coarser,  being  made  more  with  grasses  than  with 
fibres,  situated  in  upright  forks  or  attached  to  several 
weed  stalks;  eggs  white,  specked  around  the  large  end 
with  reddish  brown  ( .68  x .50 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  New  Jersey 
and  Ohio  north  to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick;  win- 
ters south  of  U.  S. 


BAY-BREASTED  WARBLER. 

060.  Dendroica  castanea.  5%  inches. 

Male,  with  crown,  throat  and  sides  rich  chestnut ; 
female,  paler;  young  and  adults  in  winter,  greenish 
above,  streaked  with  black  and  with  a trace  of  chest- 
nut on  the  flanks. 

These  Warblers  are  only  locally  abundant  during  mi- 
grations, while  in  eastern  New  England  they  are  rare. 
They  are  active  insect  hunters,  darting  rapidly  about 
the  tree  tops  or,  less  often,  in  brush;  their  habits  most 
nearly  resemble  those  of  the  Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

Song. — A low,  liquid  warble. 

Nest. — At  low  elevations  in  trees  in  swampy  woods; 
compact,  cup-shaped  structures  made  of  fine  shreds  of 
bark,  rootlets  and  grass ; eggs  bluish  white,  finely 
specked  around  the  large  end  with  reddish  brown  (.70  x 
.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
edge  of  the  U.  S.  northward ; winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER. 

662.  Dendroica  fusca.  inches. 

Male,  black  above  with  large  white  patch  on  wing, 
and  bases  of  outer  tail  feathers  white;  throat  and 
breast  intense  orange;  female,  duller  and  with  the 
orange  replaced  by  dull  yellow. 

Without  exception,  this  is  the  most  exquisite  of  the 
whole  family ; it  is  the  most  eagerly  sought  bird  by 
bird  lovers,  in  the  spring.  Some  years  they  are  very 
abundant,  while  others  few  are  seen,  their  routes  of 
migration  evidently  varying.  They  arrive  about  the 
time  that  apple  trees  are  in  bloom,  and  are  frequently 
seen  among  the  blossoms,  dashing  after  insects. 

Song. — A high -pitched lisping  ‘ ‘zwe-zwe-zwe-see-ee-ee,  ’ ’ 
ending  in  a thin,  wiry  tone,  almost  a hiss;  it  is  very 
distinct  from  the  song  of  any  other  bird. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees  at  any  height  from  the 
ground;  of  shreds  of  bark,  fine  cedar  twigs,  rootlets, 
etc. ; eggs  greenish  white  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Massachusetts 
(rarely)  and  Minnesota  northward;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


100 


BLACK-POLL  WARBLER. 

661.  Dendroica  striata . 5%  inches. 

Whole  crown  black ; female,  without  black  cap,  green- 
ish gray  above  streaked  with  black;  young  paler  than 
the  female. 

These  birds  are  one  of  the  latest  of  the  migrants  to 
arrive,  reaching  northern  United  States  about  the  last 
of  May,  but  coming  in  such  numbers  that  they  are 
found  everywhere.  While  their  plumage  somewhat  re- 
sembles that  of  the  Black  and  White  Warbler,  their 
habits  are  entirely  different. 

Song. — A high-pitched,  hissing  whistle  similar  to 
that  of  the  Black  and  White  Warbler  but  uttered  more 
deliberately  and  with  an  instant’s  pause  between  each 
note. 

Nest. — At  low  elevations  in  thick  coniferous  trees; 
made  of  slender  twigs,  rootlets  and  lichens,  lined  with 
hair  or  'feathers;  eggs  whitish,  thickly  spotted  with 
brown  ( .75  x .52 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England,  Minnesota  and  Wyoming  north  to  the  Arctic 
regions;  winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


YELLOW-THROATED  WARBLER, 

663.  Dendroica  dominica.  5 % inches. 

Throat,  breast  and  line  from  eye  to  bill  yellow. 

This  species  has  habits  very  similar  to  those  of  the 
Black  and  White  Creeper,  being  often  seen  creeping 
around  the  trunks  or  over  the  branches  of  trees  with 
almost  as  much  facility  as  the  Nuthatches.  They  are 
southern  birds  and  are  only  rarely  or  accidentally  found 
in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S.,  and  they  are  one  of  the 
few  members  of  the  family  that  winter  in  the  southern 
parts  of  our  country. 

Song. — Loud  and  similar  to  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunt- 
ing, but  shorter. 

Nest. — Usually  high  up  in  pines  and  often  concealed 
in  tufts  of  moss;  made  of  fine  twigs  and  strips  of  bark, 
held  together  with  cobwebs  and  Spanish  moss;  eggs 
greenish  white,  spotted  with  various  shades  of  brown. 

Range. — Southeastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Vir- 
ginia; winters  in  the  West  Indies.  663a.  Sycamore 
Warbler  (albilora)  is  like  the  Yellow-throated,  but  is 
white  before  the  eye;  found  in  the  Mississippi  Valley 
north  to  Illinois  and  Iowa;  winters  in  Mexico. 

1 1 


162 


GOLDEN-CHEEKED  WARBLER. 

666.  Dendroica  chrysoparia.  4 % inches. 

In  some  plumages  these  birds  may  be  confused  with 
the  Black-throated  Green.  Notice  that  the  adult  male 
has  a short  median  line  of  yellow  on  the  crown,  other- 
wise the  top  of  head  and  entire  back  are  intense  black. 
Young  birds,  which  bear  the  closest  resemblance  to  the 
next  species,  can  be  distinguished  because  their  under- 
parts are  white,  those  of  the  Black-throated  Green  being 
tinged  with  yellow. 

These  rare  Warblers  have  a very  restricted  distribu- 
tion, but  are  said  to  be  not  uncommon  within  their  range. 

Notes. — Song  with  the  usual  Warbler  quality,  but  en- 
tirely distinctive : “sweah-sweali-swee-e-e.” 

Nest. — Of  strips  of  bark,  usually  located  in  juniper 
trees  six  to  twenty  feet  above  ground.  Eggs  white, 
splashed  about  the  large  end  with  reddish  brown 
( .65  x .50) . 

Range. — Central  Texas  southward  into  Mexico. 


BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER. 


667.  Dendroica  virens.  5 inches. 

Throat  black;  two  wing  bars  and  outer  tail  feathers 
white ; female  with  little  black  on  the  throat. 

A common  bird  in  pine  groves  in  northern  United 
States,  or  during  migrations  in  birch  woods.  I have 
found  them  most  abundant  on  side  hills  covered  with 
low-growth  pines.  They  seem  to  be  very  nervous  and 
are  greatly  excited  if  you  appear  near  their  nests.  They 
often  have  the  habit  of  building  several  nests,  whether 
with  the  deliberate  intent  to  deceive  or  whether  because 
the  first  was  not  satisfactory  as  to  location  is  not  known. 

Song. — Entirely  different  from  that  of  any  other  bird ; 
a rather  harsh  “zee”  repeated  six  times,  wTith  the  fourth 
and  fifth  syllables  lower. 

Nest.— Of  rootlets  and  fine  grasses,  lined  with  hair; 
placed  high  up  in  pine  trees ; eggs  white  with  fine  brown 
specks  around  the  large  end  (.60  x .50). 

Range. — Eastern  North  America,  breeding  from 
southern  New  England  and  Illinois  north  to  Nova  Scotia 
and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  in  Central  America. 


164 


KIRTLAND  WARBLER. 

670.  Dendroica  kirtlandi.  5^2  inches. 

Above  bluish  gray  streaked  with  black;  underparts 
pale  yellow  streaked  on  the  side  with  black. 

This  is  one  of  the  rarest  of  American  Warblers,  and 
until  1903  but  little  was  known  of  their  habits  or  range; 
in  that  year  they  were  discovered  nesting  in  Oscoda 
County,  Michigan.  They  were  found  near  the  banks  of 
a river  in  Jack  pines,  building  on  the  ground  and  remain- 
ing in  the  underbrush  near  it. 

Song. — Loud  and  clear  and  said  to  resemble  that  of 
the  Maryland  Yellow-throat. 

Nest. — In  depressions  in  the  ground  at  the  foot  of  pine 
trees  and  probably  also  under  bushes;  made  of  strips  of 
bark  and  vegetable  fibres;  eggs  white,  wreathed  about 
the  large  end  with  brown  (. 72  x. 56). 

Range. — Breeds  in  Michigan  and  migrates  southeast 
through  Ohio,  Missouri,  Tennessee,  Virginia,  the  Caro 
linas  and  Florida  to  the  Bahamas. 


PINE  WARBLER. 

671.  Dendroica  vigorsi.  5V2  inches. 

Greenish  yellow  above,  brighter  below;  two  white 
wing  bars  and  white  spots  on  outer  tail  feathers;  female, 
duller  and  grayer. 

Found  only  in  tracts  of  coniferous  trees,  except  during 
migrations,  when  they  are  often  in  company  with  other 
kinds  of  Warblers.  They  like  dry  hillsides  covered  with 
scrub  pines  and  are  often  quite  abundant  in  such  locali- 
ties. They  are  rather  quiet  in  their  manners,  creeping 
about  among  the  tree  tops  like  Black  and  White  Warblers 
and  occasionally  giving  their  clear  little  trill. 

Song. — Nearest  like  that  of  the  Chipping  Sparrow, 
but  easily  distinguishable;  a long,  clear  trill. 

Nest. — A small,  compact  structure  of  black  rootlets 
lined  with  hair ; placed  in  the  extreme  tops  of  scrub 
pines,  where  it  is  very  difficult  to  see  them;  eggs  white 
specked  with  reddish  brown  (.62x.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  southern  Canada;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


165 


PALM  WARBLER. 

072.  Dendroica  palmarum.  5W  inches. 

No  wing  bars,  but  white  spots  on  the  outer  tail 
feathers;  crown,  cheeks  and  streaks  on  the  sides  chest- 
nut. 

During  migrations  you  will  lind  these  Warblers  along 
roadsides,  in  open  woods  and  scrubby  pastures.  They 
are  of  a very  nervous  temperament  and,  when  at  rest  or 
when  walking,  are  continually  flirting  their  tail,  a habit 
which  none  of  the  Warblers,  except  the  Water- thrush, 
seem  to  have.  They  are  one  of  the  earliest  of  the  family 
to  appear  in  the  spring,  reaching  northern  United  States 
in  April. 

Song. — A short  trill ; an  ordinary  Warbler  chirp. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  under  shrubs,  or  sunken  in 
moss;  made  of  tine  grasses,  bark  and  moss;  the  four  eggs 
are  creamy  white  with  reddish-brown  spots. 

Range. — Interior  of  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  interior  of 
British  America;  winters  in  southern  U.  S.  672a.  Yel- 
low Palm  Warbler  ( hypochrysea)  is  brighter  yellow  be- 
low; it  is  found  in  eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  north  of  Nova 
Scotia;  winters  along  the  Gulf. 


166 


PRAIRIE  WARBLER. 

673.  Dendroica  discolor.  4%  inches. 

Above  greenish  with  chestnut  spots  on  the  back ; 
below  yellow  with  black  markings;  female  paler. 

These  are  very  locally  distributed  birds  and  will  often 
be  found  breeding  abundantly  in  a small  patch  of  brush- 
covered  pasture,  while  many  others  apparently  just  as 
well  suited  for  their  purposes  will  be  shunned  by  them. 
They  are  very  active,  flitting  rapidly  from  one  bush  to 
another,  the  male  occasionally  mounting  to  a bush  top 
to  hurriedly  deliver  his  song,  then  diving  out  of  sight 
below  the  foliage. 

Song. — An  energetic,  rather  harsh  “zee-zee-zee-ee”  on 
an  ascending  scale. 

Nest. — A neat  cup  of  grasses  and  vegetable  fibres, 
lined  with  black  rootlets  or  horsehair;  located  in  low 
shrubs  or  bushes  from  one  to  two  feet  above  ground; 
eggs  whitish  with  blackish-brown  specks  about  the  large 
end  ( .65  x .48 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
Massachusetts  and  southern  Michigan;  winters  in  the 
West  Indies. 


167 


OVEN-BIRD. 

G 74.  Seiurus  aurocapillus.  6 inches. 

Crown  orange  brown  bordered  by  black;  no  white  in 
wings  or  tail. 

This  bird  is  found  in  open  woods,  where  it  builds  its 
arched  nest  on  the  ground  among  the  leaves  or  pine 
needles.  It  is  the  peculiar  oven-like  construction  of  their 
nests  that  gives  them  their  name.  They  are  essentially 
ground  birds,  only  mounting  to  the  lower  branches  of 
trees  to  sing  or  when  scolding  an  intruder. 

Song. — A peculiar  ascending  song  resembling  the  word 
teacher,  repeated  five  or  six  times  and  gathering  strength 
and  volume  with  each  syllable;  call,  a sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Of  leaves,  strips  of  bark  and  grass  arched  over 
the  top  so  as  to  leave  a very  small  opening;  placed  on 
the  ground  in  woods;  four  to  six  white  eggs  spotted  with 
reddish  brown  ( .78  x .58 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  and  north  to  Labrador ; winters  chiefly  south 
of  U.  S. 


168 


WATER-THRUSH. 

675.  Seiurus  noveboi'acensis.  6 inches. 

This  species  always  has  a yellowish  tinge  to  the  under- 
parts  and  the  stripes  beneath  are  narrow,  but  prominent. 
'These  Warblers  are  found  in  tangled  underbrush  near 
water.  They  have  a habit  of  continually  flirting  their 
tails,  thus  giving  them  the  local  name  of  Water-Wagtail. 
Their  call  is  a sharp  metallic  “chink”;  their  song  a loud, 
liquid  “quit-quit-quit-que-quewe-u.”  Breeds  from  the 
northern  edge  of  the  U.  S.  northwards;  winters  south  of 
U.  S. 


LOUISIANA  WATER-THRUSH. 

676.  Seiurus  motacilla.  614  inches. 

Larger,  grayer  above  and  whiter  below  than  the  pre- 
ceding; stripes  fewer  and  broader.  This  is  a more  south- 
ern species  and  breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Connecticut  and 
southern  Minnesota.  Its  notes  are  wild  and  ringing,  like 
those  of  the  last.  They  build  their  nests  under  the  roots 
of  trees  or  under  the  edges  of  overhanging  banks.  The 
eggs  are  creamy  white,  boldly  blotched  with  brown. 


KENTUCKY  WARBLEE. 

677.  Opororniz  formosa.  W2  inches. 

Crown  and  ear  coverts  black,  underparts  and  line  over 
eye  yellow;  no  white  in  the  plumage. 

These  birds  are  found  in  about  such  localities  as  are 
frequented  by  Ovenbirds,  but  with  a preference  for  woods 
which  are  low  and  damp.  They  are  locally  common  in 
some  of  the  southern  and  central  states.  They  are 
active  gleaners  of  the  underbrush,  keeping  well  within 
the  depths  of  tangled  thickets.  Like  the  Maryland  Yel- 
low-throat, which  has  similar  habits  to  those  of  this 
bird,  they  are  quite  inquisitive  and  frequently  come  close 
to  you  to  investigate  or  to  scold. 

Song. — A loud,  musical,  Wren-like  warble. 

Nest. — A bulky  structure  of  leaves,  bark  and  grasses, 
lined  with  black  rootlets  or  horsehair;  placed  on  the 
ground  in  bunches  of  weeds  or  at  the  foot  of  a small 
bush;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are  quite  heavily  speckled, 
chiefly  at  the  large  end,  with  reddish  brown. 

Kange. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  New  York  and  southern  Michigan;  winters  in  north- 
ern South  America. 


170 


CONNECTICUT  WARBLER. 

078.  Oporornis  agilis . 0V2  inches. 

Male  with  a bluish  slate-colored  head;  eye  ring  white 
and  completely  encircling  the  eye;  female  with  a saffron- 
colored  head. 

In  the  United  States  we  find  this  Warbler  only  in 
spring  and  fall  migrations.  They  appear  to  be  much 
more  rare  in  the  spring  than  in  the  fall;  while  I have 
seen  perhaps  a hundred  in  the  fall  I have  never  seen 
but  one  in  spring.  They  frequent  wild  tangled  thickets, 
such  as  you  often  find  Maryland  Yellow-throats  in.  As 
they  do  most  of  their  feeding  upon  the  ground  and  re- 
main in  the  depths  of  the  thickets,  they  are  rarely  seen 
unless  attention  is  drawn  to  them. 

Song. — Somewhat  like  that  of  the  Maryland  Yellow- 
throat;  call,  a sharp,  metallic  “peenk.” 

Nest. — In  thickets  or  clumps  of  briars,  either  on  the 
ground  or  just  above  it;  made  of  strips  of  bark  and 
skeletons  of  leaves,  lined  with  hair;  eggs  whitish  spar- 
ingly specked  at  the  large  end  with  brown  (.75x.56). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  north  of  the  U.  S.; 
winters  in  northern  South  America. 


171 


mourning  warbler. 

679.  Oporornis  Philadelphia . inches. 

Similar  to  the  last,  but  with  no  eye  ring  and  with  a 
black  patch  on  the  breast. 

These  birds  are  found  in  swamps  and  thickets,  as 
well  as  among  the  bushes  and  weeds  along  walls,  fences 
and  the  edges  of  woods.  Their  habits  are  like  those  of 
the  Maryland  Yellow- throats,  they  being  found  on  or 
near  the  ground,  scratching  about  among  the  leaves  or 
gleaning  insects  from  the  foliage  of  the  low  shrubbery. 
They  appear  to  be  the  most  abundant  in  the  middle 
States  and  northward. 

Song. — Similar  to  the  liquid  song  of  the  Water- 
Thrush;  call,  a sharp  “peenk,”  like  that  of  the  last. 

Nest. — On  or  near  the  ground  in  thickets  or  tangled 
vines;  made  of  fine  bark  strips  and  fibres,  lined  with 
hair;  eggs  white  specked  with  reddish  brown  (.71  x.54). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England,  Ohio  and  Michigan  north  to  southern  Canada; 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


MARYLAND  YELLOW-THROAT. 

681.  Geotlilypis  trichas.  5%  inches. 

One  of  our  most  common  birds  in  swamps  and  also  in 
shrubbery  along  roadsides  or  walls.  They  are  very  in- 
quisitive, and  their  bright  eyes  will  peek  at  you  from 
behind  some  leaf  or  shrub  as  long  as  you  are  in  sight. 

Song. — A lively  “witchity-witchity-witch” ; call,  a 
deep  chip;  also  a rattling  note  of  alarm. 

Nest. — Of  grapevine  and  grasses,  located  in  clumps 
of  weeds  on  or  nearly  touching  the  ground;  eggs  white 
with  brown  specks  (.70x.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  Jersey. 

Sub-species. — 681a.  Western  Yellow-throat  (occiden- 
tals), said  to  be  brighter;  found  chiefly  west  of  the 
Rockies,  but  east  to  the  Plains.  681b.  Florida  Yellow- 
throat  (ignota),  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts.  681d. 
Northern  Yellow-throat  ( bracliidactyla) , slightly  larger 
and  deeper  colored ; found  in  northeastern  U.  S.  and 
southeastern  Canada,  west  to  Dakota  and  south  through 
the  Mississippi  Valley  to  the  Gulf. 


173 


YELLOW-BREASTED  CHAT. 

683.  Icteria  virens.  7%  inches. 

Breast  yellow,  lores  black,  line  over  the  eye  and  under- 
parts  white;  no  white  on  wings  or  tail. 

Dry  side  hills  and  ravines  covered  with  thick  under 
brush  are  the  places  to  look  for  Chats.  Usually  if  they 
are  present  they  will  make  themselves  heard  long  before 
you  see  them.  They  are  one  of  the  most  odd  birds  both 
in  action  and  song.  They  are  mimics  of  the  highest 
order  and  can  make  any  kind  of  whistle  or  squawk,  but 
all  their  vocal  efforts  seem  to  require  a great  deal  of 
flirting  of  the  tail  and  twisting  of  the  head.  They  even 
jerk  their  tail  up  and  down  while  flying,  this  making 
them  appear  extremely  ludicrous. 

Songs. — A varied  medley  of  whistles  and  calls. 

Nest. — Near  the  ground  in  tangled  thickets;  of  grass, 
weeds,  etc. ; eggs  whitish  plentifully  specked  with  reddish 
brown  (.90x.70). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Massachu- 
setts and  southern  Minnesota;  winters  in  Central  Amer- 
ica. 683a.  Long-tailed  Chat  (longicauda)  is  found  in  the 
U.  S.  from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific. 


174 


HOODED  WARBLER. 

684.  Wilsonia  citrina.  5%  inches. 

Male  with  yellow  forehead  and  cheeks,  the  rest  of  the 
head  and  throat  being  black;  female  much  duller  with 
little  or  no  black;  both  sexes  have  white  spots  on  the 
outer  tail  feathers,  but  no  bars  on  the  wings. 

This  is  one  of  the  liveliest  of  the  family,  being  very 
active  in  catching  insects  on  the  wing  like  a true  Fly- 
catcher; because  of  this  habit  all  the  members  of  this 
genus  are  often  called  Fly-catching  Warblers.  They  also 
have  a habit  of  often  spreading  and  folding  the  tail  as 
they  flit  through  the  underbrush  that  they  frequent. 

Song. — A clear,  liquid  series  of  whistles;  call,  a sharp 
“chip.” 

Nest. — Within  a few  inches  of  the  ground  in  low 
underbrush  or  vines;  made  of  leaves,  bark,  etc.,  held 
firmly  together  with  cobwebs;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are 
white,  profusely  spotted  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Connecticut  and  Michigan;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


175 


WILSON  WARBLER. 


685.  Wilsonia  pusilla.  5 inches. 

Male,  with  black  crown  patch;  female,  with  the  crown 
greenish  like  the  back. 

These  little  fly-catching  Warblers  are  abundant  in 
the  United  States  during  migrations,  being  found  in 
woods  or  swamps,  and  very  often  in  apple  trees  when 
they  are  in  bloom,  they  fly  about  among  the  outer 
branches  snatching  insects  from  the  foliage  or  blos- 
soms, and  often  dashing  out  to  catch  one  that  is  flying 
by.  Their  natural  pertness  is  intensified  by  their  very 
attractive  plumage  which  harmonizes  perfectly  with 
green  leaves. 

Song. — A simple  and  rather  weak  trill. 

Nest. — Of  leaves  and  bark,  imbedded  in  the  ground 
under  bushes  on  the  edges  of  swamps  or  woods;  eggs 
white,  specked  with  reddish  brown  ( .60  x .48 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
edge  of  the  U.  S.  northward ; winters  in  Central  America. 
Two  sub-species  are  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


CANADIAN  WARBLER. 

686.  Wilsonia  canadensis.  5%  inches. 

Male,  with  a necklace  of  black  spots,  white  eye  ring 
and  lores;  female,  and  young,  with  only  a slight  in- 
dication of  the  necklace. 

These  Warblers  travel  northward  in  company  with 
many  other  kinds,  always  keeping  in  the  underbrush 
near  the  ground,  except  when  they  come  out  into 
orchards  and  parks.  Like  the  two  last,  they  are  very 
lively,  rarely  remaining  still  for  more  than  a few 
seconds,  before  they  must  dash  after  some  tempting 
morsel  that  is  flying  by. 

Song*. — A loud  liquid  warble,  most  nearly  resembling 
that  of  the  Water-Thrush ; call,  a sharp,  querulous  chip. 

Nest. — Of  rootlets  and  strips  of  bark,  under  roots  of 
trees  or  shrubs  or  at  the  foot  of  stumps  in  the  moss; 
the  four  eggs  are  white  with  a wreath  of  chestnut 
spots  around  the  large  end  (.68  x .50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Massachusetts 
and  Michigan  northward;  winters  in  northern  South 
America. 

12 


177 


AMERICAN  REDSTART, 

C>87.  Hetophaga  ruticilla.  5%  inches. 

Male,  black,  orange  and  white;  female,  grayish,  yel- 
low and  white;  it  requires  two  or  three  years  to  attain 
the  black  plumage  of  the  male,  in  the  intermediate 
stages  they  are  sometimes  strangely  mottled. 

In  the  northeastern  half  of  the  United  States,  these 
are  one  of  the  commonest  and  most  active  of  the  species. 
Both  the  males  and  females  seem  to  be  proud  of  their 
handsome  plumage  and  are  continually  spreading  and 
closing  their  tails.  They  are  equally  happy  whether  in 
the  tree  tops  or  near  the  ground,  and  are  as  often  found 
in  the  one  place  as  the  other. 

Song. — “Che-wee,  che-wee,  che-wee,”  very  similar  to 
that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  and  also  the  Chestnut-sided 
Warbler. 

Nest. — Of  plant  fibres  and  grasses  in  forks  of  bushes 
or  trees,  usually  at  greater  heights  than  those  of  the 
Yellow  Warbler;  eggs  whitish  specked  with  brown. 

Range. — N.  A.,  rare  west  of  the  Rockies,  breeding 
from  North  Carolina  and  Missouri  northward ; winters 
south  of  the  U.  S. 


AMERICAN  PIPIT;  TITLARK. 

697.  Anthus  rubescens.  6%  inches. 

These  are  Arctic  birds  that  spend  the  winter  months 
in  the  United  States.  We  find  them  in  flocks  along 
roadsides  or  in  fields,  feeding  upon  weed  seeds.  They 
are  shy  and  take  wing  readily,  uttering  sharp  whistles 
as  they  wheel  about  in  the  air.  They  are  always  rest- 
less and  stay  in  a place  but  a short  time.  They  nest 
on  the  ground  in  northern  Canada.  Eggs  grayish,  pro- 
fusely specked  with  brown. 

SPRAGUE  PIPIT. 

700.  Anthus  spraguei.  6%  inches. 

Upper  parts  streaked  with  buff  and  blackish;  below 
pale  buffy  with  black  markings.  These  birds  are  found 
on  the  Plains  from  the  Dakotas  to  Hudson  Bay  in  sum- 
mer, migrating  to  Mexico  in  winter.  They  resemble  the 
European  Skylark  in  their  habit  of  soaring  to  a great 
height  while  singing.  Their  song  is  very  melodious, 
resembling  that  of  the  Bobolink.  Their  nests  are  de- 
pressions in  the  ground,  lined  with  grasses.  Eggs  gray- 
ish, finely  specked  with  purplish  gray  (.87  x .67). 


179 


SAGE  THRASHER. 

702.  Oreoscoptes  montanus.  8%  inches. 

This  species  is  often  known  as  the  Mountain  Mocking- 
bird because  of  the  brilliance  of  its  song,  a very  varied 
performance,  long  continued  and  mocking  that  of  many 
other  species.  They  inhabit  sage-brush  regions  and  are 
partial  to  the  lower  portions  of  the  country,  although 
frequently  met  in  open  mountains.  They  are  not  shy 
and  can  readily  be  located  by  their  voices. 

Nest. — In  bushes,  especially  the  sage  and  cactus;  a 
loose  structure  made  of  bark-strips,  small  twigs  and 
coarse  grasses,  lined  with  fine  rootlets.  The  three  or 
four  eggs  have  a rich  greenish-blue  ground,  spotted  with 
bright  reddish  brown  (.95  x .70). 

Range. — Sage-brush  regions  of  western  United  States 
from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific;  winters  in  Mexico  and 
Lower  California. 


180 


MOCKINGBIRD. 

703.  Mimus  polyglottos.  lO1/^  inches. 

General  colors,  gray  and  white;  bases  of  primaries 
and  outer  tail  feathers  with  white. 

This  is  the  great  vocalist  of  the  south,  and  by  many 
is  considered  to  be  the  most  versatile  singer  in  America. 
It  is  found  in  gardens,  pastures  and  open  woods.  All 
its  habits  are  similar  to  our  Catbird,  and  like  that 
species,  it  is  given  to  imitating  the  notes  of  other  birds. 

Song. — An  indescribable  medley,  sometimes  very 
sweet  and  pleasing,  at  others,  harsh  and  unmusical. 

Nest. — Usually  built  in  impenetrable  thickets  or 
hedges,  or  again  in  more  open  situation  in  the  garden ; 
made  of  twigs  and  rootlets,  lined  with  black  rootlets; 
the  four  or  five  eggs  are  bluish  green  with  blotches  of 
reddish  brown  (.95  x .70). 

Range. — Southern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  New  Jer- 
sey (and  casually  farther)  and  Ohio;  winters  in  the 
South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States.  703a.  Western  Mock- 
ingbird ( leucopterus)  is  found  in  southwestern  U.  S., 
north  to  Indian  Territory  and  California. 


CATBIRD. 

704.  Dumetella  ccirolinensis.  9 inches. 

General  color  dark  gray  with  a black  cap  and  chest- 
nut under  tail  coverts. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  birds  throughout 
the  United  States,  being  found  equally  abundantly  in 
gardens,  swamps  and  scrubby  pastures.  They  are  very 
persistent  songsters  and  have  a large  repertoire  of 
notes,  as  well  as  being  able  to  imitate  those  of  many 
other  birds.  They  delight  in  spending  an  hour  or  more 
at  a time,  perched  in  a bush  or  tree  top,  singing,  and 
apparently  making  their  song  up  as  they  go  along,  for 
it  is  an  indescribable  medley  interspersed  with  various 
mews  and  cat  calls. 

Song.— A medley  like  that  of  the  Mockingbird;  some- 
times pleasing,  sometimes  not. 

Nest. — In  hedges  or  thickets;  made  of  twigs,  root- 
lets and  grass,  lined  with  fine  black  roots;  the  four 
eggs  are  plain  greenish  blue  (.95  x .70). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  New 
Brunswick  and  Hudson  Bay ; rare  west  of  the  Rockies ; 
winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


182 


BROWN  THRASHER. 

705.  Toxostoma  rufum.  11%  inches. 

Above  bright  reddish  brown;  below  white  with  black 
spots. 

Taken  as  a whole,  I think  that  the  song  of  this 
Thrasher  is  the  most  musical  and  pleasing  of  any  that 
I have  ever  heard.  It  has  a similarity  to  that  of  the 
Catbird,  but  is  rounder,  fuller  and  has  none  of  the 
grating  qualities  of  the  song  of  that  species.  They  ap- 
parently have  a song  of  their  own  and  do  not  deign  to 
copy  that  of  others.  They  are  one  of  the  most  useful 
and  desirable  birds  that  we  have. 

Song. — A bright  and  cheerful  carol,  often  long  con- 
tinued, but  always  clear  and  sweet;  call,  a clear  whistled 
“wheuu.” 

Nest. — Of  twigs  and  rootlets,  in  hedges,  thickets  or 
thorn  bushes;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are  bluish  white  with 
numerous  fine  dots  of  reddish  brown  over  the  entire  sur- 
face ( 1.08  x. 80). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Canada;  winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the 
U.  S. 


A 


183 


CACTUS  WREN. 

713.  Eeleodytes  brunneicapillus.  8%  inches. 

Cactus  groves  are  the  favorite  resorts  of  these  large 
Wrens.  Often  a bed  of  cactus  not  mofe  than  thirty 
feet  square  will  contain  the  homes  of  half  a dozen  pairs 
of  them.  Like  all  the  members  of  the  family,  they  are 
very  sprightly  and  have  violent  tempers,  scolding  anyone 
or  anything  that  incurs  their  displeasure. 

Nest. — Their  nests  are  placed  in  cactus  or  other 
thorny  shrubs;  they  are  very  large,  purse-shaped  affairs 
with  an  entrance  on  the  side;  they  are  made  of  little 
thorny  twigs  and  grasses  woven  together,  and  the  in- 
terior is  warmly  lined  with  feathers.  The  four  or  five 
eggs  are  creamy  white,  finely  sprinkled  with  reddish 
brown  ( .95  x .65 ) . Two  or  three  broods  are  often  raised 
in  a season. 

Range. — Southwestern  border  of  the  United  States, 
ranging  from  southern  Texas  to  California. 


184 


ROCK  WREN. 


715.  Salpinctes  obsoletus.  5%  inches. 

Upper  parts  stone  color,  specked  with  black;  rump 
brownish;  underparts  whitish  with  indistinct  streaks 
on  the  throat. 

A common  bird  on  the  dry,  rocky  foothills  of  the 
Rockies  and  westward.  They  are  well  named,  for  their 
favorite  places  are  among  the  rocks,  where  they  are 
always  busily  engaged  in  hunting  insects  or  spiders  in 
the  crevices.  Owing  to  their  colors  and  their  habits  of 
slinking  away  behind  the  rocks  they  are  quite  difficult 
to  see,  but  their  sweet  song  is  always  heard  if  any  of 
the  birds  are  in  the  vicinity. 

Song. — Very  sweet  and  varied,  almost  canary-like, 
but  impossible  to  describe;  call,  a harsh  grating  note. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  weeds,  grasses,  etc.,  concealed  in 
crevices  among  the  rocks;  the  five  or  six  eggs  are  white, 
sparingly  specked  with  reddish  brown  (.72  x.54). 

Range. — Western  U.  S.  from  the  western  border  of 
the  Plains  to  the  Pacific,  north  to  Dakota  and  British 
Columbia;  winters  from  southwestern  U.  S.  southward. 


185 


CAROLINA  WREN. 

718.  Thryothorus  luclovicianus.  5%  inches. 

Above  rusty  brown  and  below  washed  with  the  same, 
the  throat  and  line  over  the  eye  being  white. 

Like  all  the  Wrens,  this  one  commonly  sits  or  flits 
about  in  the  brush,  with  the  tail  erect  over  the  body; 
only  when  singing  is  it  held  downward.  Their  flight 
is  usually  only  for  a short  distance,  accomplished  by 
rapid  wing  beats  and  with  a jerking  motion  of  the  tail. 

Song. — Loud  and  tinkling,  and  utterly  impossible  to 
describe. 

Nest. — In  brush  heaps,  holes  in  trees,  bird  boxes  or 
bushes;  made  of  weeds,  grass  and  any  trash  that  they 
may  pick  up ; eggs,  five  to  seven  in  number,  white, 
specked  with  reddish  brown  (.74x.60). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  Connecticut  and  Illinois;  resident.  718a.  Florida 
Wren  (miamensis)  is  found  in  southern  Florida.  718b. 
Lomita  Wren  (lomitensis) , found  in  southern  Texas. 


186 


BEWICK  WREN. 

719.  Thryomanes  bewickii.  5 inches. 

Above  dark  brown;  below  and  line  over  eye  whitish; 
tail  blackish  with  the  outer  feathers  barred  with  white. 

Like  all  the  Wrens,  these  seem  to  be  very  restless  and 
are  continually  creeping  about  in  brush  heaps  or  along 
stone  walls,  fences  or  over  fallen  trees  or  stumps.  They 
are  locally  abundant  in  interior  United  States,  in  some 
sections  entirely  replacing  the  House  Wren. 

Song. — A sweet  chant  of  liquid  melodious  notes. 

Nest. — In  any  location  that  happens  to  take  the  bird’s 
fancy,  such  as  holes  in  trees,  bird  boxes,  in  barns,  sheds, 
etc. ; made  of  straw,  grass  and  trash ; eggs  white  profuse- 
ly specked  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Mississippi  Valley  and  the  Plains  north  to 
South  Dakota;  east  to  the  Alleghanies  and  casually  to 
the  South  Atlantic  States.  719c.  Texas  Bewick  Wren 
(cryptus)  is  found  from  Texas  north  to  Indian  Territory. 


187 


HOUSE  WREN. 

721.  Troglodytes  wdon.  4%  inches. 

Above  brownish  with  tail  and  wings  barred;  below 
dull  grayish,  barred  on  the  flanks  with  brown. 

These  are  bold,  sociable  and  confiding  birds,  seeming 
to  prefer  men’s  society,  building  their  nests  in  bird 
boxes  that  are  erected  for  them,  or  in  the  most  unex- 
pected situations  about  buildings.  They  are  one  of  the 
most  beneficial  birds  that  can  be  attracted  to  one’s  yard, 
feeding  wholly  upon  insects. 

Song. — Loud,  clear  and  bubbling  over  with  enthusi- 
asm. 

Nest. — Of  grass  or  weeds,  stuffed  into  any  crevice  that 
takes  their  fancy,  frequently  in  bird  boxes  and  holes  in 
orchard  trees;  eggs  white,  so  minutely  and  thickly  dotted 
with  pinkish  brown  as  to  nearly  conceal  the  ground 
color  ( .64  x .52 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  north  to  Maine  and 
Manitoba;  winters  along  the  Gulf  coast.  721b.  Western 
House  Wren  (aztecus)  is  found  from  the  Plains  to  the 
Pacific  coast  ranges. 


188 


WINTER  WREN. 

722.  Nannus  hiemalis.  4 inches. 

Above  bright  cinnamon,  below  paler;  sides,  wings  and 
tail  heavily  barred  with  black. 

This  is  the  shortest  and  most  stoutly  built  Wren  that 
we  have.  They  look  very  pert  with  their  little  stubby 
tail  erect  over  their  back.  In  most  of  the  United  States 
we  only  see  them  in  the  winter,  and  they  are  associated, 
in  my  mind,  with  brush  heaps  in  woods  and  gardens. 
They  will  hide  in  a small  pile  of  brush,  running  from  side 
to  side,  so  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  make  them 
leave  it. 

Song. — A rippling  flow  of  melody,  not  as  loud,  but 
more  musical  than  that  of  the  House  Wren. 

Nest. — In  brush  heaps,  tin  cans,  hollow  stumps  or 
crevices  in  unoccupied  buildings;  made  of  piles  of  grass, 
weeds,  etc.,  lined  with  feathers;  eggs  white,  sparingly 
specked  with  reddish  brown  (.65x.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
edge  of  the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  from  its  breeding 
range  to  the  Gulf. 


189 


SHORT-BILLED  MARSH  WREN. 

724.  Cistothorus  stellaris.  5%  inches. 

This  species  can  readily  be  distinguished  from  the 
next,  as  the  whole  crown  is  streaked  with  black  and 
white,  whereas  that  of  the  Long-bill  is  uniformly  col- 
ored. Both  species  are  marsh  birds,  at  home  among 
the  reeds,  to  which  they  attach  their  globular  woven 
nests,  with  the  little  entrance  in  the  side.  The  eggs  of 
this  species  are  pure  white.  It  is  found  in  eastern  N.  A., 
from  the  Gulf  to  southern  Canada. 

LONG-BILLED  MARSH  WREN. 

725.  Telmatodytes  palustris.  5*4  inches.  . 

The  bill  of  this  species  is  .5  inch  or  more  in  length; 
that  of  the  last  is  .4  inch  or  less.  This  species  is  by 
far  the  most  abundant.  Its  eggs  are  so  profusely  dotted 
with  dark  brown  as  to  appear  a chocolate  color.  Breeds 
from  the  Gulf  to  Massachusetts  and  Manitoba. 


100 


BROWN  CREEPER. 

720.  Certhia  familiaris  americana.  5%  inches. 

Tail  feathers  stiffened  and  pointed ; rump  rusty. 

These  odd  birds  are  fairly  common  throughout  the 
United  States  in  winter.  They  will  be  found  in  woods 
always  climbing  up  tree  trunks,  carefully  investigating 
every  crevice  in  the  bark  for  larvae  or  grubs.  When  they 
reach  the  top  of  one  tree,  they  drop  to  the  foot  of  the 
next  and  continue  the  operation.  They  are  very  tame, 
not  seeming  to  comprehend  that  danger  can  befall  them, 
for  they  will  allow  anyone  to  approach  very  closely,  so 
that  they  have  been  caught  under  a hat. 

Song. — A very  faint  trill;  call,  a weak  “tseep,” 
hardly  noticeable  unless  very  near  them. 

Nest. — Of  twigs,  moss  and  bark,  behind  loose  bark 
on  dead  trees  or  stumps,  usually  not  high  above  the 
ground;  eggs  white,  specked  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England  and  Minnesota  northward;  winters  throughout 
the  U.  S. 


191 


WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

727.  Hitta,  carolinensis.  6 inches. 

Male  with  the  crown  bluish  black ; female  with  the 
crown  gray;  both  sexes  with  chestnut  under  tail  coverts. 

These  birds  seem  to  be  the  very  opposite  of  the  Brown 
Creepers.  Their  tails  are  short  and  square,  and  nearly 
always  pointed  toward  the  zenith,  for  Nuthatches  usually 
clamber  among  the  branches  and  down  the  tree  trunks, 
head  first. 

Note. — A nasal  “yank-yank,”  and  a repeated  “ya-ya,” 
all  on  the  same  tone. 

Nest. — In  cavities  of  hollow  limbs  and  trunks  of 
trees  at  any  elevation  from  the  ground;  the  cavity  is 
filled  with  ieaves  and  usually  lined  with  feathers;  eggs 
white,  spotted  with  reddish  brown  (.75  x .55). 

Range. — Eastern  United  States,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  southern  Canada;  resident  in  most  of  its  range. 
727b.  Florida  Wliite-breasted  Nuthatch  (atkinsi)  is 
slightly  smaller ; other  races  are  found  west  of  the 
Rockies. 


192 


RED-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

728.  Sitta  canadensis.  4^  inches. 

These  birds  have  the  same  habits  as  the  larger  Nut- 
hatch, but  are  often  found  in  flocks,  while  the  White 
breasted  are  usually  in  pairs  and  in  the  fall  accompanied 
by  their  young.  In  the  winter  we  usually  find  them 
in  coniferous  trees,  where  we  can  locate  them  by  their 
nasal  calls  or  by  the  shower  of  bark  that  they  pry 
from  the  tree  in  their  quest  for  grubs. 

Song. — A nasal  “yank-yank,”  like  that  of  the  last, 
but  not  so  loud,  and  usually  repeated  more  times. 

Nest. — In  hollow  stumps  and  limbs,  the  area  about 
the  opening  nearly  always  being  coated  with  fir  bal- 
sam, for  what  purpose  is  not  known ; the  cavity  is  lined 
with  grasses  and  feathers;  they  lay  from  four  to  seven 
white  eggs,  which  are  very  thickly  spotted  with  reddish 
brown  (.60  x .50). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern  parts  of 
the  northern  tier  of  states,  northward ; winters  south 
nearlv  to  the  Gulf  and  southern  California. 

13  * 


193 


194 


BROWN-HEADED  NUTHATCH. 

729.  Sitta  pusilla.  4%  inches. 

Crown  brownish  with  a white  patch  on  the  nape. 

These  diminutive  Nuthatches  are  found  in  the  south- 
ern states.  Their  general  habits  do  not  appear  to  differ 
from  those  of  other  members  of  the  family.  They  nest 
very  early,  commencing  to  excavate  their  holes  in  Janu- 
ary and  having  complete  sets  of  eggs  as  early  as  the 
middle  of  February. 

They  usually  are  found  in  small  flocks  and  at  night 
they  will  often  be  seen  flying  to  the  top  of  a pine 
where  they  sleep,  all  huddled  together. 

Notes. — A continued  twittering  “nya-nya.” 

Nest. — In  cavities  of  dead  limbs  or  stumps,  some- 
times only  a few  inches  from  the  ground,  and  again 
as  high  as  fifty  feet;  they  lay  five  or  six  eggs,  white 
with  numerous  spots  of  reddish  brown  ( .62  x .49 ) . 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  breeding 
north  to  Virginia. 


TUFTED  TITMOUSE. 

731.  Bceolophus  bicolor.  6 inches. 

Head  crested,  forehead  black,  flanks  brownish.  The 
habits  of  this  large  Titmouse  are  almost  identical  with 
those  of  Chickadees.  They  swing  from  the  ends  of  twigs 
in  all  manner  of  positions  and  creep  about  trunks,  peer- 
ing in  crevices  of  the  bark  for  insects.  They  are  com- 
mon in  the  southern  states,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  York  and  Illinois ; they  are  resident  in  the  southern 
portion  of  their  range.  Their  eggs  are  laid  in  soft  nests 
of  down  and  feathers  in  hollow  stumps.  Their  notes  are 
loud,  clear  whistles. 

BLACK-CRESTED  TITMOUSE. 

732.  Bceolophus  atricristatus.  6 inches. 

Crest  black,  forehead  white,  flanks  rusty.  The  habits 
of  this  species  are  just  like  those  of  the  very  similar 
preceding  one.  The  birds  are  very  tame,  especially  so 
during  the  nesting  season,  when  they  will  allow  them- 
selves to  be  lifted  from  the  nest  by  hand.  They  are 
found  in  southern  and  western  Texas. 


BLACK-CAPPED  CHICKADEE. 

735.  Penthestes  atricapiUus.  5^4  inches. 

The  Chickadees  are  one  of  the  most  popular  birds 
that  we  have,  owing  to  their  uniform  good  nature  even 
in  the  coldest  weather,  and  their  confiding  disposition. 
They  are  common  about  farms  and  even  on  the  outskirts 
of  large  cities  they  will  come  to  feasts  prepared  for 
them  on  the  window  sill. 

Notes. — A clear  “phe-be”;  a “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”  or 
“dee-dee-dee/’  and  several  scolding  or  chuckling  notes. 

Nest. — In  hollow  stumps  at  any  elevation  from  the 
ground  but  usually  near  the  ground,  and  most  often  in 
birch  stubs;  eggs  white,  sparingly  specked  with  reddish 
brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  and  northward;  resident. 

736.  Carolina  Chickadee  (Parus  carolinensis)  is  sim- 
ilar to  the  last  but  smaller  and  with  no  white  edges  to 
the  wing  feathers;  length  4 y2  inches;  found  in  south- 
eastern U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Virginia  and  Ohio. 


196 


HUDSONIAN  CHICKADEE. 

740.  Penthestes  lmdsonicus.  o inches. 

Crown  and  back  brownish. 

The  habits  of  this  little  northerner  are  like  those  of 
the  bird  that  we  know  so  well;  if  anything  they  are  even 
more  tame  than  our  bird,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of 
lumbermen’s  camps.  They  are  only  met  with  along  our 
northern  border  or  casually  farther  south;  I have  seen 
one  individual  in  company  with  other  Chickadees  in 
Massachusetts. 

Song. — Not  distinguishable  from  that  of  our  Chick- 
adee, but  uttered  more  incessantly. 

Nest. — In  cavities  of  stumps,  trees,  posts  or  telephone 
poles,  the  cavity  being  lined  with  grass,  feathers  and  fur ; 
the  six  or  seven  eggs  are  white  sprinkled  with  brown 
( .00  x .46 ) . 

Range. — Resident  in  Canada  and  the  northern  border 
of  the  U.  S. 


197 


VERDIN;  YELLOW-HEADED  TIT. 

740.  Auriparus  flaviceps.  4%  inches. 

Adult  male  with  the  head  and  throat  yellow,  usually 
with  some  concealed  orange-brown  on  the  forehead ; lesser 
wing-coverts  reddish  brown.  The  female  is  colored  very 
similarly,  but  is  much  duller.  These  are  among  the 
smallest  of  N.  A.  birds;  they  are  even  smaller  than  their 
length  would  indicate,  for  their  bodies  are  slender.  The 
birds  are  usually  found  in  high  dry  portions  of  the 
country  where  cacti  and  thorny  bushes  predominate. 

Nest. — Their  nests  are  remarkable  structures  for  so 
diminutive  birds;  flask-shaped,  the  outside  being  a mass 
of  thorny  twigs  and  stems  interwoven;  this  is  lined  with 
feathers  and  the  entrance  is  a small  circular  hole  near 
the  top.  The  eggs  are  bluish  white  specked  around  the 
large  end  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Mexican  border  of  the  United  States  from 
southern  Texas  to  Arizona  and  Lower  California. 


108 


GOLDEN-CROWNED  KINGLET. 

748.  Regulus  satrapa.  4 inches. 

Male  with  crown  orange  and  yellow,  bordered  with 
black;  female  with  yellow  crown. 

Although  very  small,  these  birds  are  very  rugged  and 
endure  the  severe  storm  and  low  temperatures  of  our 
northern  states  apparently  with  little  concern,  for  they 
always  seem  to  be  happy.  They  are  always  busily  en- 
gaged among  the  underbrush  of  side  hills  and  along  the 
banks  of  brooks,  hunting  for  the  scanty  fare  that  awaits 
them. 

Song. — A few  weak  chips,  chirps  and  trills. 

Nest. — A large  ball  of  soft  green  mosses  and  feathers, 
suspended  from  the  small  twigs  in  the  tops  of  coniferous 
trees;  it  is  neatly  hollowed  out  for  the  reception  of  the 
six  to  nine  eggs  that  are  laid;  eggs  creamy  white,  mi- 
nutely but  profusely  specked  with  brown  (.56  x .44). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  north- 
ward and  farther  south  in  mountain  ranges ; winters 
throughout  the  U.  S. 


199 


RUBY-CROWNED  KINGLET. 

749.  Regulus  calendula.  4^  inches. 

Male  with  a concealed  patch  of  red  on  the  crown;  fe- 
male with  no  red. 

Like  the  last,  these  are  chiefly  winter  visitants  in  the 
LTnited  States  and  they  do  not  remain  with  us  in  the 
coldest  weather,  but  pass  on  to  the  southern  half  of  our 
country.  They  are  nearly  always  met  with  in  pine  or 
other  coniferous  trees,  being  very  abundant  in  spring  in 
open  pine  woods  and  parks. 

Song. — A clear  warble,  surprisingly  loud  and  varied 
for  so  small  a bird;  call,  a grating  chatter. 

Nest. — A ball  of  moss,  grass  and  feathers,  deeply 
cupped,  like  that  of  the  last;  partially  suspended  among 
the  small  twigs  in  the  tops  of  coniferous  trees;  eggs 
white,  more  sparingly  marked  than  those  of  the  last 
(.55  x .43). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  northward  from  the  north- 
ern boundary  of  the  U.  S.  and  farther  south  in  moun- 
tains; winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


200 


BLUE-GRAY  GNATCATCHER. 


751.  Polioptila  cccrulea.  4 % inches. 

Forehead  black;  tail  black  with  white  edges  and  tips 
to  the  outer  ones. 

Their  food  is  chiefly  insects,  which  they  are  very  ex- 
pert in  catching,  taking  them  on  the  wing  with  great 
celerity.  Their  movements  are  all  very  rapid,  flitting 
from  one  part  of  a tree  to  another,  but  usually  among 
the  upper  branches.  Their  nests  are  among  the  most 
beautiful  of  bird  architecture,  even  surpassing  that  of 
the  Hummingbird. 

Song*. — Sweet,  but  very  faint. 

Nest. — Situated  on  horizontal  limbs  of  trees  at  me- 
dium heights;  made  of  plant  fibres,  woolly  substances 
and  cobwebs,  adorned  with  handsome  lichens;  the  walls 
are  very  high  and  thick,  the  bird  sitting  so  low  inside 
that  only  her  tail  is  visible;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are 
bluish  white  specked  with  reddish  brown  (.56  x .44). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  New  Jersey 
and  Illinois. 


201 


WOOD  THRUSH. 


755.  Hylocichla  mustelina.  8 inches. 

Reddish  brown  above,  brightest  on  the  head;  below 
white  heavily  spotted  with  black. 

These  large  Thrushes  are  locally  abundant  in  swamps 
and  moist  woodland.  They  are  one  of  our  best  songsters, 
their  tones  being  very  rich  and  flute-like,  and,  like  most 
of  the  Thrushes,  their  songs  are  most  often  heard  along 
toward  night. 

Song. — Very  clear  and  flute-like,  containing  many 
notes  of  the  scale;  often  two  or  more  birds  answer  back 
and  forth  from  different  parts  of  the  woods;  calls,  a 
sharp  “quit,  quit”  and  a liquid  “quirt.” 

Nest. — Either  in  forks  or  on  horizontal  boughs  of 
bushes  or  trees,  usually  not  more  than  ten  feet  from  the 
ground ; made  of  grass,  weeds,  leaves  and  some  mud ; the 
three  or  four  eggs  are  bluish  green  (1.02  x .75). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  Virginia  and 
Missouri  north  to  Maine,  Ontario  and  Minnesota;  win- 
ters south  of  the  U.  So 


202 


WILSON  THRUSH  OR  VEERY. 


756.  Hylocichla  fuscescens.  7%  inches. 

Entire  upper  parts  a uniform  reddish  brown;  below 
soiled  white  with  a few  faint  marks  on  the  breast. 

This  species  is  more  abundant  than  the  last.  It  is 
found  in  swamps  and  also  in  dry  open  woods,  they  being 
especially  numerous  where  ferns  grow  luxuriantly. 

Song. — Very  peculiar  and  not  nearly  as  melodious  as 
that  of  the  Wood  Thrush,  but  still  attractive;  a slightly 
descending  “too-whe-u-whe-u-whe-u” ; call,  a clear  “whee- 
you  ” 

Nest. — On  the  ground  among  the  leaves,  on  hum- 
mocks, or  in  tangled  masses  of  briars;  made  of  strips  of 
bark  and  leaves;  eggs  greenish  blue,  darker  and  smaller 
than  those  of  the  Wood  Thrush  (.88  x .65). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  northern 
half  of  the  United  States  and  southern  Canada;  winters 
in  Central  America.  756a.  Willow  Thrush  (salicicola) 
is  more  olive  above;  it  is  found  in  the  Rockies  and  east- 
ward to  the  Mississippi  River. 


203 


204 


GRAY-CHEEKED  THRUSH. 

757.  Hylocichla  alicicc.  7%  inches. 

Quite  similar  to  the  following  but  with  the  eye  ring 
white  and  the  sides  of  head  and  breast  much  paler. 

Breeds  in  northern  Canada  and  migrates  through  the 
eastern  states  to  Central  America.  757a.  Bicknell 
Thrush  (bicknelli)  is  similar  to  the  Cray-cheeked  but 
smaller.  It  breeds  in  Nova  Scotia. 

OLIVE-BACKED  THRUSH. 

758a.  Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsonii.  7}4  inches. 

Upper  parts  wholly  olive  gray,  with  no  brownish 
tinge ; eye  ring,  sides  of  head  and  breast  distinctly  buff ; 
breast  spotted  with  blackish. 

Song. — Quite  similar  to  that  of  the  Veery. 

Nest. — Composed  of  leaves,  grass  and  strips  of  bark, 
located  in  bushes  or  small  trees  near  the  ground;  the 
four  eggs  are  greenish  blue  spotted  with  reddish  brown 
(.90  x .65). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U. 
S.  to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba. 


HERMIT  THRUSH. 

759b.  Hylocichla  guttata  pallasii.  6%  inches. 

Tail  reddish  brown,  much  brighter  than  the  back 
and  head;  breast  quite  heavily  spotted  with  black. 

During  its  migrations  it  rarely  sings  but  in  its  sum- 
mer home  it  is  regarded  as  a remarkable  musician.  Its 
song  has  the  sweetness  and  purity  of  tone  of  that 
of  the  Wood  Thrush,  and  is,  perhaps,  more  varied,  but 
it  is  not  nearly  as  powerful,  and  has  a ventriloquial 
effect.  I watched  one  that  was  perched  on  a dead  stump, 
about  twenty  feet  from  me,  for  several  minutes  with  a 
pair  of  glasses  before  I could  make  sure  that  he  was 
the  author  of  the  song  I heard,  for  it  sounded  as  though 
coming  from  across  the  next  field. 

Nest. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Wilson  Thrush  and 
like  that,  placed  on  the  ground  or  very  near  it;  the 
eggs  are  plain  greenish  blue  ( .85  x .65 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  U.  S.  northwards,  and 
farther  south  in  mountains;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States. 


205 


AMERICAN  ROBIN. 

701.  Planesticus  migratorius.  10  inches. 

Male  with  a black  head  and  bright  reddish-brown 
breast;  female  with  a gray  head  and  much  paler  breast; 
young  intermediate  between  the  two  and  with  a reddish- 
brown  breast  spotted  with  black. 

These  well-known  birds  are  very  abundant  in  the 
northern  half  of  the  United  States,  being  found  most 
commonly  about  farms  and  dwellings  in  the  country, 
and  also  in  cities  if  they  are  not  persecuted  too  severely 
by  English  Sparrows. 

Song*. — A loud  cheery  carol,  “cheerily-cheerup,  cheer- 
ily-cheerup,”  often  long  continued. 

Nest. — A coarse  but  substantial  structure  of  mud 
and  grass,  placed  on  horizontal  boughs  or  in  forks  at 
any  height,  or  in  any  odd  place  about  dwellings;  the 
four  or  five  eggs  are  bluish  green  (1.15  x .80). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  middle  of 
the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  throughout  the  U.  S. 
761b.  Southern  Robin  (achrustera)  is  a paler  form 
found  in  the  Carolina s and  Georgia. 


2C6 


GREENLAND  WHEATEAR. 

765a.  Saooicola  oenanthe  leucorrhoa.  6 inches. 

The  Wheatear  is  a European  bird,  but  this  sub-species 
is  found  in  Greenland  and  occasionally  in  Labrador. 

Their  habits  are  about  the  same  as  those  of  the  Blue- 
bird. They  feed  upon  insects,  larvae,  fruits,  berries  and 
some  seeds.  They  are  essentially  ground  birds  and  are 
usually  found  in  rocky  country. 

Nest. — Their  nests  are  made  of  grasses,  hair  or  any 
rubbish  obtainable,  and  are  hidden  in  the  innermost 
recesses  of  crevices  among  rocks,  in  deserted  Bank 
Swallow  nests  or  .even  in  rabbit  burrows. 

The  four  to  six  eggs  are  pale  greenish  blue,  a little 
brighter  in  shade  than  those  of  the  Bluebird.  They 
measure  .94  x .60. 


207 


BLUEBIRD. 

766.  Sialia  sialis.  7 inches. 

These  beautiful,  gentle  and  well-known  birds  spend 
the  winter  in  the  southern  parts  of  the  United  States 
and  north  to  the  snow  line;  some  more  hardy  than  the 
rest  are  found  throughout  the  winter  in  southern  New 
England. 

Call. — A short  sweet  warble;  song,  a continued 
warbling. 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees,  particularly  in  orchards,  in 
bird  boxes  or  crannies  about  the  buildings.  The  bot- 
tom of  the  cavity  is  lined  with  grasses  for  the  reception 
of  the  four  or  five  pale  bluish  eggs,  which  measure 
.84  x .62. 

Range. — Eastern  United  States,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba;  winters  chiefly 
in  the  southern  parts  of  the  United  States.  766a. 
Azure  Bluebird  (azurea)  is  found  in  the  mountains  of 
eastern  Mexico  and  north  casually  to  southern  Arizona. 
It  is  paler  both  above  and  below  than  our  eastern  bird. 


208 


FIELD  KEY  FOR  IDENTIFICATION  OF  EASTERN  LAND  BIRDS 
BY  CONSPICUOUS  MARKINGS 

We  have  added  this  key  at  the  request  of  many  of  our  readers  for  a color 
scheme  for  identification.  It  includes  all  the  birds  that  have  markings  of  sufficient 
prominence  to  be  readily  noticed  in  the  field. 

I.  BIRDS  WITH  RED  OR  ORANGE  MARKINGS. 

Scarlet  body ; black  wings  and  tail ; 7%  in. — SCARLET  TANAGER. 

Red ; darker  above  ; crested  ; black  face  ; 9 in. — CARDINAL. 

Rosy-red;  wings  and  tail  slightly  darker;  7 y2  in. — SUMMER  TANAGER. 

Rosy-red;  white  wing  bars;  crossed  bill;  6 in. — WHITE-WINGED  CROSSBILL. 
Rosy-red;  gray  back,  wdngs  and  tail;  stout  bill;  8 y2  in. — PINE  GROSBEAK. 
Brick-red ; wings  and  tail  darker ; crossed  bill ; 6 in. — CROSSBILL. 

Purplish- red,  streaked  with  darker ; dark  wings  and  tail. — PURPLE  FINCH. 

Red  below;  blue  head;  yellow  back;  5 y2  in. — PAINTED  BUNTING. 

Red  patch  on  crown  (concealed)  ; greenish  back;  4 y2  in. — KINGLET. 

Red  cap  ; black  chin  ; rosy  breast ; streaked  ; 514  in. — REDPOLL. 

Pink  breast  and  under  wings ; black  head  and  back ; 8 in. — ROSE-BREASTED 
GROSBEAK. 

Ruby  throat ; metallic  green  back ; tiny  birds — HUMMINGBIRD. 


209 


Orange-red  under  wings  and  patch  on  crown ; long  forked  tail. — SCISSOR-TAILED 
FLYCATCHER. 

Orange;  black  head,  wings  and  tail  (marked  with  yellow) — BALTIMORE  ORIOLE. 
Orange  breast,  crown  patch  and  above  eye  j black  and  white  back,  wings  and  tail 
—BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER. 

Orange  crown  patch,  edged  with  black ; green  back ; 4 in. — KINGLET. 

Orange  on  sides,  wings  and  tail ; black  above  ; 5 y2  in. — REDSTART. 

Orange-brown  crown  edged  with  black;  green  back;  spotted  breast — OYENB1RD. 

2.  BIRDS  PROMINENTLY  MARKED  WITH  BLUE. 

Blue,  shading  to  purplish  on  head;  5 y2  in. — INDIGO  BUNTING. 

Blue ; chestnut  shoulders ; black  face  ; 7 in. — BLUE  GROSBEAK. 

Blue  above  ; brownish  breast ; 7 in. — BLUEBIRD. 

Blue  above;  black  collar,  bars  on  wings  and  tail  (also  white) — BLUE  JAY. 

Pale  blue  above  and  streaks  below ; white  on  wings  and  tail — CERULEAN  WAR- 
BLER. 

Dark  blue  above ; black  throat  and  sides ; white  on  wing — BLACK-THROATED 
BLUE  WARBLER. 

Light  blue  head  and  back;  brown  breast;  5 y2  in. — LAZULI  BUNTING. 


210 


3.  BIRDS  WITH  YELLOW  AS  PROMINENT  COLOR. 


Yellow  below ; green  back ; black  mask — MARYLAND  YELLOWTHROAT. 

Yellow  below;  gray  head  and  breast;  5%  in. — MOURNING  WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; gray  head  and  breast ; white  eye  ring — CONNECTICUT  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  below;  black  crown  and  ears;  yellow  over  eye — KENTUCKY  WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; green  back ; brown  spots  on  back  ; black  stripes  on  side — PRAIRIE 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; green  back ; brown  crown  and  streaks  on  side ; white  on  tail — 
PALM  WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; green  back ; yellow  crown ; brown  stripes  on  sides — YELLOW 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; green  back ; brown  ear  patch  and  streaks  on  sides — CAPE  MAY 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; green  back  ; brown  patch  on  crown  ; head  gray  above — NASHVILLE 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  below ; green  back ; orange-yellow  head ; white  on  tail — PROTHONOTARY 
WARBLER. 


211 


Yellow  forehead,  ears  and  below ; green  back ; cap  and  throat  black — HOODED 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast ; gray  back ; black  spotted  necklace — CANADIAN  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast;  green  back;  gray  head;  white  over  eye — YELLOW-BREASTED 
CHAT. 

Yellow  breast ; gray  back ; black  through  eye  and  down  sides — YELLOW- 
THROATED  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast ; yellowish  patch  on  back ; brown  on  throat — PARULA  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast ; green  above ; black  throat  and  down  sides — BLACK-THROATED 
GREEN  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast  with  black  crescent;  streaked  above;  11  in. — MEADOWLARK. 

Yellow  above  and  below ; black  cap,  wings  and  tail — GOLDFINCH. 

Y^ellow  head ; black  body ; white  patch  on  wing — YELLOW-HEADED  BLACK- 
BIRD. 

Yellow  head;  gray  body;  brown  on  shoulders;  4 y2  in. — VERDIN. 

Yellow  crown ; chestnut  on  sides ; streaked  above — CHESTNUT-SIDED  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  below  and  on  rump ; black  back  and  spots  on  breast — MAGNOLIA  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  patch  on  crown,  rump  and  side ; streaked  with  gray  above — MYRTLE 
WARBLER. 


212 


4.  BIRDS  WITH  BROWN  MARKINGS  MOST  PROMINENT. 


Small  brown  birds  (4  to  6 in.)  with  barred  wings  and  tail — WRENS. 

Uniform  brown  above,  gray  below ; long  broad  tails — CUCKOOS. 

Bright  reddish  brown  above;  spotted  breast;  11%  in. — BROWN  THRASHER. 
Brown  body;  black  head,  wings  and  tail;  7%  in. — ORCHARD  ORIOLE. 

Reddish  brown  breast ; slate  back  ; dark  head ; 10  in. — ROBIN. 

Dull  brown  back;  grayish,  more  or  less  spotted  breasts — THRUSHES. 

Brown  belly ; black  crown  and  stripe  through  eye  ; gray  back — NUTHATCH. 
Streaked  brown  and  white  ; curved  bill ; climbs  up  trees — BROWN  CREEPER. 
Brownish  gray ; crested ; yellow  tip  to  tail ; black  through  eye — WAXWING. 
Brown  crown,  throat  and  streaks  on  sides ; black  mask — BAY-BREASTED  WAR- 
BLER. 

Brown  sides ; black  head,  throat  and  back ; white  on  wings  and  tail — TOWHEE. 
Brown  rump  and  tail ; gray  back ; streaked  above  and  below — FOX  SPARROW. 
Brown  shoulder,  yellow  breast  patch ; black  on  throat — DICKCISSEL. 

Brown  shoulder ; streaked  above ; white  outer  tail  feathers — VESPER  SPARROW. 
Brown  shoulder ; black  cap  and  patch  on  breast — McCOWN  LONGSPUR. 

Brown  nape;  black  breast  and  cap;  light  throat — CHESTNUT-COLLARED  LONG- 
SPUR. 


213 


5.  SHARPLY  DEFINED  BLACK  AND  WHITE  MARKINGS. 


Black  crown  and  throat ; gray  back ; 5 in. — CHICKADEE. 

Black  and  white  streaked  bird ; black  crown ; 5 in. — BLACK  POLL  WARBLER. 
Black  and  white  streaked  bird ; striped  crown — BLACK  AND  WHITE  WARBLER. 
Slate  head,  breast  and  back;  white  below  and  outer  tail  feathers — JUNCO. 
White  throat ; gray  breast ; crown  striped  black  and  white — WHITE-THROATED 
SPARROW. 

Large  white  crown  patch  edged  with  black ; light  below — WHITE-CROWNED 
SPARROW. 

Black  body ; yellowish  nape ; white  rump  and  on  wings — BOBOLINK. 

Black  crown ; gray  back ; climbs  down  trees — WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH- 
Dull  gray  birds  with  no  markings  may  be  FLYCATCHERS. 

Dull  brownish,  streaked  birds  are  probably  species  of  SPARROWS. 

Plain  greenish  backs  and  dull  white  underparts  denote  YIREOS. 

Glossy  blackbirds  are  GRACKLES  or  CROWS ; if  with  red  shoulders,  RED- 
WINGED BLACKBIRD  ; with  dull  brown  head,  COWBIRD. 


214 


CLASSIFIED  TABLE  OF  EASTERN  LAND  BIRDS. 


Showing  Divisions  into  Orders,  Families  and  Genera,  as  Adopted  by  the  American 

Ornithologists’  Union. 


ORDER  PSITTAC1.  Parrots,  Macaws,  etc. 

Family  PSITTACIDiE.  Genus 

CONUROPSIS. 

ORDER  COCCYGES.  Cuckoos,  Kingfishers,  etc. 

Family  CUCULlDiF.  Genus 

CROTOPHAGA. 

GEOCOCCYX. 

COCCYZUS. 

Family  ALCEDINIDiE.  Genus 
CERYLE. 

ORDER  PICI.  Woodpeckers. 

Family  PICIDiE.  Genus 

CAMPEPHILUS. 

DRYOBATES. 

PICOIDES. 

SPHYRAPICUS. 

PHILOEOTOMUa 

MELANERPES. 


Carolina  Paroquet. 


Anis. 

Road-runner. 

Cuckoos. 

Kingfishers. 


Ivory-billed  Woodpecker. 
Hairy  to  Texan  Woodpecker. 
Three-toed  Woodpeckers. 
Sapsuckers. 

Pileated  Woodpeckers. 
Red-headed  Woodpeckers. 


216 


Family  PICIDyE.  Genus  Red-bellied  Woodpeckers. 

CENTURUS.  Flickers. 

COLAPTES. 


ORDER  MACROCHIRES.  Goatsuckers,  Swifts,  Hummingbirds,  etc. 


Family  CAPRIMULGID^E.  Genus 

ANTROSTOMUS. 
PHALuEN  OPTILU  S 
NYCTIDROMUS. 
CHORDE1LES. 

Family  MICROPODIDiE.  Genus 
CHiETURA. 
.ERONAUTES. 

Family  TROCHILID.E.  Genus 

TROCHILUS. 

ORDER  PASSERES.  Perching  Birds. 

Family  TYRANNIDiE.  Genus 

MUSCIVORA. 

TYRANNUS. 

PITANGUS. 

MYIARCHUS. 

SAYORNIS. 


Whip-poor-will. 

Poorwill. 

Paraque. 

Nighthawks. 

Chimney  Swift. 
White-throated  Swift. 

Ruby-thr.  Hummer. 


Scissor-tail  Flycatcher. 
Kingbirds. 

Derby  Flycatchers. 
Crested  Flycatchers. 
Phoebes. 


217 


Family  TYEANNIDiE.  Genus 

NUTTALLOENIS. 
MYIOCHANES. 
EMPIDONAX. 
PYEOCEPHALUS. 
Family  ALAUDIDiE.  Genus 

OTOCOEIS. 

Family  COEVID^E.  Genus 
PICA. 

CYANOCITTA. 

APHLECOMA. 

XANTHOUEA. 

PEEISOEEUS. 

COEYUS. 

XUCIFEAGA. 

Family  STUENIDiE.  Genus 

STUEXUS. 

Family  ICTEEIDiE.  Genus 

DOLICHONYX. 

MOLOTHEUS. 

XANTHOCEPHALUS. 


218 


Olive-sided  Flycatchers. 
Pewees. 

Least  Flycatchers. 
Vermilion  Flycatchers. 

Horned  Larks. 

Magpie. 

Blue  Jays. 

Non-crested  Jays. 

Green  Jay. 

Canada  Jay. 

Crows  and  Eavens. 
Clarke  Nutcracker. 

Starling. 

Bobolink. 

Cowbirds. 

Yellow-head  Blackbird. 


Family  ICTEKID^E.  Genus 

AGELAIUS. 

STURNELLA. 

ICTERUS. 

SCOLECOPHAGUS. 

QUISCALUS. 

Family  FRINGILLIDtE.  Genus 

HESPERIPHONA. 

PINICOLA. 

. CARPODACUS. 
LOXIA. 

LEUCOSTICTE. 
ACANTHI  S. 
ASTRAG  ALINU  S. 
SPINUS. 

PLECTROPHENAX. 

CALCARIUS. 

RHYNCOPHANES. 

POCECETES. 

PASSER. 

PASSERCULUS. 


219 


Red-winged  Blackbirds. 
Meadowlarks. 

Orioles. 

Rusty  Blackbirds. 
Grackles. 

Evening  Grosbeak. 

Pine  Grosbeaks. 

Purple  Finches. 
Crossbills. 

Leucostictes. 

Redpolls. 

Goldfinches. 

Pine  Siskin. 

Snowflakes. 

Longspurs. 

McCown  Longspurs. 
Vesper  Sparrow. 
English  Sparrow. 
Ipswich  Sparrow. 


Family  FRINGILLID^E.  Genus 

COTURNICULUS. 

AMMODRAMUS. 

CHONDESTES. 

ZONOTRICHIA. 

SPIZELLA. 

JUNCO. 

AMPHISPIZA. 

PEUCiEA. 

MELOSPIZA. 

PASSERELLA. 

PIPILO. 

OREOSPIZA. 

CARDINALIS. 

PYRRHULOXIA. 

ZAMELODIA. 

GUIRACA. 

PASSERIXA. 

SPOROPHILA. 

SPIZA 

CALAMOSPIZA. 


220 


Grasshopper,  Leconte. 
Sharp-tail  Seaside. 

Lark  Sparrow. 

Harris  and  Crowned  Spa 
Chippy,  Tree,  Field. 
Juncos. 

Black-throated,  Bell. 
Pine-wood  Sparrow. 

Song*,  Swnmp  Sparrow. 
Fox  Sparrow. 

Towhees. 

Green-tailed  Towhee. 
Cardinal. 

Pyrrhuloxia. 

Rose-breast  Grosbeak. 
Blue  Grosbeak. 

Buntings. 

Seed-eater. 

Dickcissel. 

Lark  Bunting. 


Family  TANAGRIIVE.  Genus 
PIRANGA. 

Family  HIRUNDINIDJE.  Genus 
PROGNE. 

PETROCIIELIDON. 

HIRUNDO. 

IRIDOPROCNE. 

RIPARIA. 

STELGIDOPTERYX 
Family  BOMBYCILLID^.  Genus 

BOMBYCILLA. 
Family  LANIID^E.  Genus 

LANIUS. 

Family  VIREONIDiE.  Genus 

VIEEOSYLVA. 

LANIVIREO. 

YIREO. 

Family  MNIOTILTID^E.  Genus 

MNIOTILTA. 

PROTONOTARIA. 

HELINAIA. 


221 


Tanagers. 

Purple  Martin. 

Cliff  Swallow. 

Barn  Swallow. 

Tree  Swallow. 

Bank  Swallow. 
Rough-wing*.  Swallow. 

Waxwings. 


Shrikes. 

Red-eye.,  Warbling  Vireo. 
Yell.-thr.,  Blue-head. 
White-eye  Vireo. 

Black  and  White  Warbler. 
Prothonotary. 

Swainson  Warbler. 


Family  MNIOTILTIDiE.  Genus 

HELMITHEROS. 

HELMINTHOPHILA. 

COMPSOTHLYPIS. 

DENDROICA. 

SEIURUS. 

OPORORNIS. 

GEOTHLYPIS. 

ICTERIA. 

WILSONIA. 

SETOPHAGA. 

Family  MOTACILLID^E.  Genus 
ANTHUS. 

Family  TROGLODYTIDiE.  Genus 
OROSCOPTES. 
MIMUS. 
DUMATELLA. 

TOXO  STOMA. 
HELEODYTES. 
SALPINCTES. 
THRYOTHORUS. 


222 


Worm-eating  Warbler. 
Bachman  to  Tennessee. 
Parula  Warbler. 

Cape  May  to  Palm  Warbler. 
Oven-bird,  Water-Thrush. 
Ky.,  Conn.,  and  Mourning. 
Yellow-throats. 

Chat. 

Hooded  to  Canadian. 
Redstarts. 

Pipits. 

Sage  Thrasher. 

Mockingbird. 

Catbird. 

Thrashers. 

Cactus  Wren. 

Rock  Wiren. 

Carolina  Wren. 


Family  TROGLODYTIDiE.  Genus 

THRYOMANES. 
TROGLODYTES. 
NANNUS. 
CISTOTHORUS. 
TELMATODYTES. 
Family  CERTHID^E.  Genus 

CERTHIA. 

Family  PARIDiE.  Genus 

SITTA. 

BiEOLOPHUS. 

PENTHESTES. 

AURIPARUS. 

Family  SYLLVIIDiE.  Genus 

REGULUS. 
POLIOPTILA. 
Family  TURDID^E.  Genus 

HYLOCICHLA. 
PLANE  STICUS. 
SAXICOLA. 
SIALIA. 


223 


Bewick  Wren. 

House  Wren. 

Winter  Wren. 

Short-bill  Marsh  Wren. 
Long-bill  Marsh  Wren. 

Brown  Creeper. 

Nuthatches. 

Titmice. 

Chickadees. 

Verdin. 

Kinglets. 

Gnatcatchers. 

Thrushes. 

Robins. 

Wheatear. 

Bluebird. 


Ani,  Grooved-billed  

Blackbird,  Brewer 

Blackbird,  Red-winged  . . 

Blackbird,  Florida 

Blackbird,  Rusty  

Blackbird,  Yellow-headed 

Bluebird  

Bluebird,  Azure  

Bunting,  Black-throated 

Bunting,  Indigo  

Bunting,  Lark  

Bunting,  Lazuli  

Bunting,  Varied  

Bunting,  Painted  

Bobolink  

Cardinal  

Catbird  

Chat,  Yellow-breasted  . . 

Chebec  

Chewink  

Chickadee,  Black-capped 
Chickadee,  Carolina 
Chickadee,  Hudsonian  . . 

Chuckwill’s  Widow  

Cowbird  

Creeper,  Brown  


DEX 


Crossbill,  American  77 

Crossbill.  Whitewinged  76 

Crow,  American  59 

Crow,  Clarke  60 

Crow,  Fish  59 

Crow,  Florida  59 

Cuckoo,  Black-billed  20 

Cuckoo,  Mangrove  ' 19 

Cuckoo,  Yellow-billed  19 

Dickcissel  122 

Finch,  Purple  75 

Flicker  32 

Flicker,  Red-shafted  33 

Flycatcher,  Acadian  50 

Flycatcher,  Crested  46 

Flycatcher,  Derby  45 

Flycatcher,  Green-crested  50 

Flycatcher,  Least  51 

Flycatcher,  Olive-sided  48 

Flycatcher,  Scissor-tailed  41 

Flycatcher,  Vermilion  52 

Flycatcher,  Yellow-bellied  50 

Gnatcatcher,  Blue-gray  201 

Goldfinch,  American  80 

Goldfinch.  Arkansas  81 

Grackle,  Boat-tailed  72 


IN 

18 

71 

65 

65 

71 

64 

208 

208 

122 

117 

123 

118 

119 

120 

62 

113 

182 

174 

51 

111 

196 

196 

197 

34 

63 

191 


Grackle,  Bronzed  72 

Grackle,  Florida  72 

Grackle,  Great-tailed  72 

Grackle,  Purple  72 

Grosbeak,  Blue  116 

Grosbeak,  Western  116 

Grosbeak,  Evening  73 

Grosbeak,  Pine  74 

Grosbeak,  Rose-breasted  115 

Hummingbird,  Ruby-throated  40 

Jay,  Blue  55 

Jay,  Blue  Florida 55 

Jay,  Canada  58 

Jay,  Florida  56 

Jay,  Green  57 

Jay,  Labrador  58 

Junco,  Carolina  104 

Junco,  Slate-colored  104 

Junco,  White-winged  103 

Kingbird  42 

Kingbird,  Arkansas  44 

Kingfisher,  Belted  21 

Kingbird,  Gray  43 

Kingfisher,  Texan  22 

Kinglet,  Golden-crowned  199 

Kinglet,  Ruby-crowned  200 

Lark,  Horned  53 

Lark,  Horned  Desert  53 


Lark,  Horned  Hoyt  53 

Lark,  Horned  Prairie  53 

Leucosticte,  Gray-crowned  78 

Longspur,  Chestnut-collared  86 

Longspur,  Lapland  84 

Longspur,  McCown  87 

Longspur,  Smith  85 

Magpie,  American  54 

Martin,  Purple  126 

Meadowlark  66 

Meadowlark,  Florida  66 

Meadowlark,  Western  66 

Mockingbird  3 81 

Nighthawk  37 

Nighthawk,  Florida  37 

Nighthawk,  Texan  37 

Nighthawk,  Western  37 

Nonpareil  120 

Nuthatch,  Brown-headed  194 

Nuthatch,  Red-breasted  193 

Nuthatch,  White-breasted  192 

Nuthatch,  Florida  Yvhite  192 

Oriole,  Audubon  67 

Oriole,  Baltimore  70 

Oriole,  Hooded  68 

Oriole.  Orchard  69 

Ovenbird  168 

Paraque,  Merrill  36 


6 


Pyrrhuloxia  

Paroquet.  Carolina  . . 

Pewee,  Wood  

Phoebe  

Pipit,  American  

Pipit,  Sprague  

Poor-will  ' 

Haven,  Northern  

Raven.  White-necked  . . . 

Redpoll  

Redpoll,  Greater  

Redpoll,  Greenland 

Redpoll,  Hoary  

Redpoll,  Holboell  

Redstart,  American  

Road-runner  

Robin  

Robin,  Southern  

Sapsucker,  Yellow-bellied 

Seedeater,  Sharp  

Shrike,  Loggerhead  

Shrike,  Northern  

Shrike,  White-rumped  . . 

Siskin.  Pine  

Snowflake  

Sparrow,  Bachman  

Sparrow,  Baird  

Sparrow,  Black-throated 


114 

17 
49 
47 

179 

179 

36 

59 

59 

79 

79 

79 

79 

79 

178 

18 
206 
206 

28 

134 

134 

133 

134 
82 


83 

106 

91 

105 


Sparrow,  Chipping  100 

Sparrow,  Clay-colored  101 

Sparrow,  English  88 

Sparrow,  Field  102 

Sparrow,  Field  Western  102 

Sparrow,  Fox  110 

Sparrow,  Grasshopper  91 

Sparrow,  Harris  96 

Sparrow,  Henslow  92 

Sparrow,  Henslow  Western  92 

Sparrow,  Ipswich  90 

Sparrow,  Lark  95 

Sparrow,  Lark  Western  95 

Sparrow,  Leconte  92 

Sparrow,  Lincoln  108 

Sparrow,  Pine-woods  106 

Sparrow,  Savanna  90 

Sparrow,  Seaside  94 

Sparrow,  Seaside  Dusky  94 

Sparrow,  Sharp-tailed  93 

Sparrow,  Sharp-tailed  Acadian 93 

Sparrow,  Sharp-tailed  Nelson 93 

Sparrow,  Song  107 

Sparrow,  Song  Dakota  107 

Sparrow,  Swamp  109 

Sparrow,  Tree  99 

Sparrow,  Tree  Western  99 

Sparrow,  Vesper  89 


Sparrow,  White-crowned  97 

Sparrow,  White-throated  98 

Starling  61 

Swallow,  Bank  130 

Swallow,  Barn  128 

Swallow,  Cliff  127 

Swallow,  Rough-winged  130 

Swallow,  Tree  129 

Swift,  Chimney  38 

Swift,  White-throated  39 

Tanager,  Scarlet  124 

Tanager,  Summer  125 

Thrasher,  Brown  3 83 

Thrasher,  Sage  180 

Thrush,  Bicknell  205 

Thrush,  Gray-cheeked  204 

Thrush,  Hermit  205 

Thrush,  Olive-backed  204 

Thrush,  Wilson  203 

Thrush,  Wood  202 

Titlark,  American  179 

Titmouse,  Tufted  195 

Titmouse,  Black-crested  195 

Towhee  Ill 

Towhee,  Green-tailed  112 

Veery  203 

Verdin  198 

Yirco,  Blue-headed  138 


Vireo,  Black-capped  139 

Vireo,  Philadelphia  136 

Vireo,  Red-eyed  135 

Vireo,  Solitary  138 

Vireo,  Solitary  Mountain  138 

Vireo,  Warbling  136 

Vireo,  White-eyed  140 

Vireo,  Yellow-throated  137 

Warbler,  Bachman  145 

Warbler,  Bay-breasted  158 

Warbler,  Black  and  White 141 

Warbler,  Blackburnian  160 

Warbler,  Black-poll  159 

Warbler,  Black-throated  Blue  153 

Warbler,  Black-throated  Green  163 

Warbler,  Blue-winged  146 

Warbler,  Brewster  146 

Warbler,  Cairns  153 

Warbler,  Canadian  177 

Warbler,  Cape  May  151 

Warbler,  Cerulean  156 

Warbler,  Chestnut-sided  157 

Warbler,  Connecticut  171 

Warbler,  Golden-cheeked  162 

Warbler,  Golden-winged  147 

Warbler,  Hooded  175 

Warbler,  Kentucky  170 

Warbler,  Ivirtland  164 


Warbler,  Lawrence  147 

Warbler,  Magnolia  155 

Warbler,  Mourning  172 

Warbler,  Myrtle  154 

Warbler,  Nashville  148 

Warbler,  Orange-crowned  148 

Warbler,  Palm  166 

Warbler,  Palm  Yellow  166 

Warbler,  Parula  150 

Warbler,  Parula  Northern  150 

Warbler,  Pine  165 

Warbler,  Prairie  167 

Warbler,  Prothonotary  142 

Warbler,  Sennett  150 

Warbler,  Swainson  143 

Warbler,  Sycamore  161 

Warbler,  Tennessee  149 

Warbler,  Wilson  176 

Warbler,  Worm-eating  144 

Warbler,  Yellow  152 

Warbler,  Yellow-throated  161 

Water  Thrush  169 

Water  Thrush,  Louisiana  169 

Waxwing,  Bohemian  131 

Waxwing,  Cedar 132 

Wheatear,  Greenland  207 

Whip-poor-will  35 

Woodpecker,  American  Three-toed ....  27 


Woodpecker,  Arctic  Three-toed 27 

Woodpecker,  Downy  25 

Woodpecker,  Downy  Northern  25 

Woodpecker,  Downy  Southern  25 

Woodpecker,  Golden-winged  32 

Woodpecker,  Hairy  24 

Woodpecker,  Hairy  Northern  24 

Woodpecker,  Hairy  Southern  24 

Woodpecker,  Ivory-billed  23 

Woodpecker,  Pileated  29 

Woodpecker,  Pileated  Northern  29 

Woodpecker,  Red-bellied  31 

Woodpecker,  Red-cockaded  26 

Woodpecker,  Red-headed  30 

Woodpecker,  Texan  ' 26 

Wren,  Bewick  187 

Wren,  Cactus  184 

Wren,  Carolina  186 

Wren,  House  188 

Wren,  House  Western  188 

Wren,  Long-billed  Marsh  190 

Wren,  Rock  185 

Wren,  Short-billed  Marsh  190 

Wren,  Winter  189 

Yellow-throat,  Florida  173 

Yellow-throat,  Maryland  173 

Yellow-throat,  Northern  173 

YTellow-throat,  Western 173 


FLOWER  GUIDE 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.  S. 

A GUIDE  to  the  common  wild  flowers  found  in  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States. 
Wild  Flower  Guide  is  the  same  size  and  scope  as  Bird  Guide.  It  has  had 
an  extraordinary  sale  and  has  been  adopted  and  used  in  quantities  in  many 
of  our  leading  colleges  and  schools. 

The  COLORED  ILLUSTRATIONS,  192  in  number,  are  beautiful,  artistic  and 
accurate  reproductions  from  oil  paintings;  the  finest  series  ever  made.  The  text  tells 
where  each  is  found,  when  it  blooms,  whether  in  woods,  fields,  swamps,  etc.,  the 
height  that  the  plant  attains,  whether  it  is  self-fertilized  or  cross  fertilized  by  insects 
and  how;  in  fact  it  gives  a great  deal  more  information  than  one  would  think  pos- 
sible in  a book  to  fit  comfortably  in  the  pocket. 

Bound  in  Cloth,  75c.;  in  Leather,  $1.00;  postage,  5c. 

NATURE  STUDIES -IN  FIELD  AND  WOOD 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.  S. 

THIS  book  is  destined  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  that  the  author  has 
written.  Absorbingly  interesting  in  itself,  yet  its  greatest  value  will  lie  in 
the  fact  that  it  will  lead  the  reader  to  realize  how  blind  he  has  been  to  the 
many  wonderful  things  that  are  happening  on  every  hand. 

1 12  pages;  size — 5^x7^  in.  40  illustrations  in  color,  and  black  and  white. 
60c.  net;  postage  10c. 

231 


WATER  BIRDS 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.S. 

THIS  book  is  uniform  in  size  and  scope  with  LAND  BIRDS.  It  includes  all 
of  the  Water  Birds,  Game  Birds  and  Birds  of  Prey,  east  of  the  Rockies.  Each 
species  is  ILLUSTRATED  IN  COLOR  from  oil  paintings;  the  bird,  its 
habits  and  nesting  habits  are  described. 

The  pictures  show  more  than  230  birds  in  color,  every  species  found  in  our 
range.  They  exceed  in  number  those  in  any  other  bird  book.  In  quality  they  cannot 
be  surpassed — exquisite  gems,  each  with  an  attractive  background,  typical  of  the 
habitat  of  the  species. 

“ LAND  BIRDS  ” and  “ WATER  BIRDS  ” are  the  only  books,  regardless  of 
price,  that  describe  and  show  in  color  every  bird.  250  pages,  neatly  boxed. 

Bound  in  Cloth,  $1.00  net;  in  Leather,  $1.25  net;  postage  5c. 

NATURE  STUDIES— BIRDS 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.  S. 

JUST  the  sort  of  reading  that  will  start  the  young  folks  along  the  right  paths 
in  the  study  of  birds.  True  stories  of  bird  life  as  narrated  in  an  interesting 
form  by  Uncle  George  to  Dorothy  and  Dick. 

Size — 5^2x71/2  in.;  112  pages.  Illustrations —Forty  in  color. 

Neatly  bound  in  Gray  Cloth,  60c.  net;  postage  10c. 

232 


GUIDE  TO  TAXIDERMY 


PRACTICAL  and  thorough  instructor  in  the  art  of  mounting  birds,  mammals, 
head,  fish,  etc.  We  have  an  illustrated  prospectus  for  those  interested. 
Fully  illustrated;  cloth  bound;  310  pages.  $1.65  postpaid. 


THE  cards  are  made  by  the  very  best  process  from  oil  paintings  and  represent 
the  best  work  in  bird  portraiture.  The  set  contains:  Bluebird,  Wood  Thrush, 
Kinglet,  Blackburnian  Warbler,  Tanager,  Chipping  Sparrow,  Goldfinch, 
Oriole,  Jay,  Flicker,  Hummingbird,  Sparrow  Hawk,  Pheasant,  Grouse,  Bob-White, 
Plover,  Woodcock  and  Wood  Duck.  Set  of  18  postcards,  25c.  Any  four  cards,  10c. 


ASET  of  12  cards  made  from  photographs  of  living,  wild  birds.  Representing 
the  very  best  work  in  bird  photography,  some  of  the  subjects  requiring 
several  days’  time  to  secure. 

The  subjects  are:  Chipping  Sparrows,  Nuthatches,  Redstart,  Bluebird,  Chicka- 
dees, Hummingbird,  Shrikes,  Kingfishers,  Owls,  Crows,  Jays  and  Least  Flycatcher. 

Set  of  12  cards,  20c.  Any  four  cards,  10c. 

SPECIAL  Both  sets,  30  cards,  40c.  postpaid. 

233 


COLORED  BIRD  POSTCARDS 


UNIQUE  BIRD  POSTCARDS 


CAMERA  STUDIES  OF  WILD  BIRDS  IN  THEIR  HOMES 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.  S. 

AMERA  STUDIES”  has  250  photographs  of  events  right  in  birds’  homes. 
These  pictures  are  selected  from  the  author’s  collection  of  over  2000  bird 
photographs,  this  being  one  of  the  best  collections  of  pictures  of  free,  living 
wild  birds  in  existence. 

Many  rare  and  interesting  poses  are  faithfully  shown  by  the  camera.  For 
instance,  a pair  of  adult  Chipping  Sparrows,  standing  on  a branch  by  the  sides  of 
their  four  young,  are  engaged  in  pulling  apart  a large  worm  that  was  too  large 
to  be  given  whole. 

The  stories  accompanying  these  pictures  are  as  interesting  as  the  photographs 
and  above  all  they  are  all  actual  facts. 

300  pages,  5^4x7^2  in.;  250  photographs  of  living,  wild  birds. 

Handsomely  bound  in  Cloth,  $2.00  net;  postage  20c. 

WILD  FLOWERS 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.  S. 

A LARGER  and  more  complete  work  than  Flower  Guide,  with  full-page  plates 
showing  320  Wild  Flowers  in  NATURAL  COLORS.  An  original,  beautiful, 
complete,  interesting  and  accurate  work  on  this  most  interesting  of  subjects. 

450  pages.  Handsomely  bound  in  cloth.  $2.50  net;  postage  15c. 

234 


NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS’  EGGS 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.S. 

THIS  is  the  only  book  on  the  market  that  gives  illustrations  of  the  eggs  of 
all  North  American  birds.  Each  egg  is  shown  FULL  SIZE,  photographed 
directly  from  an  authentic  and  well  marked  specimen.  There  are  a great 
many  full-page  plates  of  nests  and  eggs  in  their  natural  situations. 

The  habitat  and  habits  of  each  bird  are  given. 

It  is  finely  printed  on  the  best  of  paper  and  handsomely  bound  in  cloth.  350 
pages — 6 x 9 inches.  $2.50  net;  postage  25c. 

GUIDE  TO  THE  MUSHROOMS 

By  EMMA  TAYLOR  COLE 

TELLS  HOW,  WHEN  and  WHERE  they  grow;  how  to  collect  and  prepare 
them  for  the  table;  describes  the  common  kinds,  both  edible  and  poisonous. 
Handsomely  illustrated  with  about  70  halftones  from  photographs  of  living 
mushrooms  and  five  PLATES  IN  COLOR.  Uniform  with  “ Wild  Flowers. 

$1.50  net;  postage  10c. 

GOLDFISH,  AQUARIA  AND  FERNERIES 

HOW  to  make  aquaria.  How  to  fit  them  up;  all  about  goldfish  and  fresh 
water  fish  that  are  suitable  for  the  aquariurm  Water  plants  are  described, 
as  well  as  many  curiosities  that  can  be  kept  in  the  tanks.  All  these  things 
are  FINELY  ILLUSTRATED.  Cloth  bound,  50c.;  postage  5c. 

23  5 


BIRDS  OF  EASTERN  NORTH  AMERICA 

By  CHESTER  A.  REED,  B.  S. 

THIS  will  undoubtedly  be  THE  BIRD  BOOK  of  the  year.  It  is  authentic.  The 
author  KNOWS  birds.  He  has  studied  them  for  thirty  years — in  the  hand, 
for  plumage,  and  in  their  haunts,  for  habits.  He  has  studied  them  in  their 
homes  and  has  photographed  hundreds  as  they  were  actually  feeding  their  young. 
Besides  being  able  to  write  about  these  things  in  an  interesting  and  instructive 
manner,  he  is  classed  as  one  of  the  foremost  bird  artists  in  America.  This  rare 
combination  of  Artist-Author-Naturalist  has  produced,  in  “Birds  of  Eastern  North 
America,”  the  ultimate  bird  book. 

The  descriptive  text  gives  the  important  and  characteristic  features  in  the  lives 
of  the  various  species. 

The  illustrations — well,  there  are  408  PICTURES  IN  NATURAL  COLORS; 
they  show  practically  every  species  including  male,  female  and  young  when  the 
plumages  differ,  and  they  are  perfectly  made  by  the  best  process.  No  other  one 
bird  book  ever  had  anywhere  near  as  many  accurately  colored  pictures. 

Bound  in  cloth,  handsomely  illuminated  in  gold;  464  pages  (4^x6^)  ; 408 
colored  illustrations;  every  bird  described  and  pictured. 

$3.00  net;  postage  15c. 

CHAS.  K.  REED,  Worcester,  Mass. 

236 


AMERICAN  GAME  BIRDS 

By  CHESTER  A REED,  B.  S. 

CERTAIN  species  and  families  of  our  wild  birds  are  classed  as  game  and  can, 
at  certain  seasons,  be  legally  hunted  for  sport  or  for  food.  A great  number 
of  books  have  been  written  for  sportsmen  and  by  sportsmen,  most  of  them 
containing  but  a very  few  black  and  white  illustrations  of  some  of  the  species  men- 
tioned. As  far  as  we  know,  AMERICAN  GAME  BIRDS  is  the  only  sportsman’s 
book  illustrating  nearly  all  of  these  birds  in  NATURAL  COLORS.  With  it,  the 
novice  can  identify  any  game  bird  he  secures  or  sees,  and  the  old-timer,  as  well, 
can  see  just  what  sportsmen  in  other  sections  of  the  country  are  shooting.  The 
illustrations  are  excellent  reproductions  by  the  very  best  process  from  water-color 
paintings  made  directly  from  the  birds. 

The  text  portrays  their  habits  just  as  truly  as  the  pictures  do  their  appearance, 
and  the  two  together  give  the  reader  a correct  impression  of  each  species,  such  as 
can  be  gained  in  no  other  way  except  by  long  association  with  the  birds.  Mr.  Reed 
knows  birds  as  few  others  do,  and  has  hunted,  studied  and  photographed  them  from 
Labrador  to  Florida,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific. 

More  than  ioo  species  illustrated  in  natural  colors. 

In  handsome  Paper  Covers,  60c.  net;  postage,  5c. 

In  Leather,  $1.00,  net;  postage,  10c. 

237 


FIELD  GLASSES  FOR 
BIRD  STUDY 

or  equally  good  for  the  mountain,  sea  shore  or 
theatre,  or  wherever  a large,  clear  image  of  an 
object  is  desired. 

We  carefully  examined  more  than  a hundred 
makes  of  field  glasses,  to  select  the  ones  best 
adapted  for  bird  study. 

We  found  one  make  that  was  superior  to  any 
other  of  the  same  price  and  equal  optically,  and 
nearly  as  well  made  as  those  costing  three  times  as 
much. 

They  magnify  about  three  diameters,  and  have 
an  unusually  large  field  of  vision  or  angle  of  view, 
making  it  easy  to  find  a bird  or  keep  him  in  sight. 
Price  only  $5.00  postpaid. 


CHAS.  K.  REED,  Worcester,  Mass. 

238 


